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Lightning suspected in damaging Paxton house fire; family safe

  • Posted by The Burbs (Sponsor: North End Motor Sales) Aug 8 - Filed in News - #Paxton  #fire  #Paxton Fire Department  #Holden Road  - 4,382 views


    Paxton Fire Department photos (Facebook)

    PAXTON — A 2-alarm fire that heavily damaged a Holden Road home late Friday night was likely caused by a nearby lightning strike that traveled along an electrical line into the garage, according to the Paxton Fire Department.

    Firefighters were dispatched to 105 Holden Road shortly before 10:30 last night after multiple neighbors and passing motorists called 911 to report the fire. All occupants had safely evacuated the home before firefighters arrived.

    Crews found the home's 2-car garage and the rooms above it fully engulfed in flames. As the fire quickly spread into the attic, a second alarm was requested, bringing firefighters from several surrounding communities to the scene.

    Paxton firefighters began suppression efforts with assistance from Holden and Rutland crews. Leicester firefighters conducted roof ventilation in heavy fire conditions, while crews from West Boylston, Oakham, Sterling and Worcester attacked the fire from other areas of the home.

    The fire was brought under control in about an hour, according to the department. Firefighters remained at the property into early Saturday morning conducting overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots. Spencer firefighters assisted with Rapid Intervention Team duties and overhaul, with additional support from Princeton, Barre and Oxford crews.

    Several firefighters were evaluated and treated at the scene by Leicester E.M.S. and Spencer Fire E.M.S. for heat exhaustion and overexertion-related injuries. No firefighters were taken to a hospital.

    Rehab 78 provided rehabilitation services for firefighters and assistance to members of the family who remained at the scene. Worcester, Brookfield and Charlton crews provided station coverage in Paxton during the fire.

    The family's cat could not be rescued and died in the fire, the department said.

    The cause remains under investigation, although fire officials said a nearby lightning strike that followed an electrical line into the garage was the most likely cause.

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