FALMOUTH – A large fire erupted in downtown Falmouth about 5 PM Monday. The fire was reported in a large 2.5 story building at 176 Main Street that houses the Twigs and Sea Bags stores with residential apartments on the upper floors. Multiple mutual aid units were called as the fire escalated to three alarms. Firefighters searched to make sure everyone got out of the building safely. Fire officials say two civilians were transported with minor injuries and one firefighter was treated at the scene. Main Street was completely shut down in the area and people were urged to stay clear of the area. By 7 PM the fire appeared under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Top photos courtesy of Cape Cod Incidents/CWN
Slideshow photos by David Curran/Satellite News Service/CWN
Update: Falmouth Fire Rescue Chief Timothy Smith tells CWN that the department responded to a reported structure fire at 176 Main St. after 5 PM Monday. The Fire Alarm Office was alerted by a passerby of fire coming from the second floor at the address. Upon arrival of fire personnel, they confirmed active fire showing from the windows of a second floor apartment. Occupants from the apartments were safely evacuated but were reporting smoke inhalation and two occupants were transported with non-life-threatening injuries to Falmouth Hospital. A third occupant was evaluated but refused transport. A firefighter sustained a minor injury and was treated and released from the hospital.
The fire spread throughout the apartment and into the attic space above the apartment. Fire crews conducted firefighting operations from the front and rear of the building due to the fire spread. Due to the size of the building and extensive firefighting operations, a 3rd alarm was requested to bring in neighboring towns to assist fire personnel on scene. The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour and extensive overhaul to check for fire extension to other adjacent apartments was conducted.
Businesses below the 2nd floor sustained significant smoke and water damage. Utilities were shot off and the building is uninhabitable, and town inspectional services and the health department will be on scene Tuesday morning to further evaluate the structural integrity of the building.
The fire investigation is being conducted by the department fire investigators along with the State Fire Marshal’s office and Falmouth Police. No cause has been determined at this time.
Posted by Falmouth Fire/Rescue on Tuesday, January 2, 2024
