HARWICH – A propane tank explosion reportedly led to a house fire in Harwich. Crews rushed to the scene at 20 Fernwood Circle about 3:15 PM to find flames on the outside of the structure. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire on the exterior of the house and then worked to control fire spread into the attic.
From Harwich Fire: At 3:15 Monday afternoon, the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Officer received a 911 call from a resident on Teaberry Avenue reporting heavy black smoke, flames and an explosion at a house on Fernwood Circle. A first alarm assignment was dispatched for Harwich, with Automatic Aid from Dennis, Brewster and Chatham. Harwich crews were tied up with an individual stuck in a Marsh in West Harwich which delayed the initial response from Harwich.
An off-duty Fire Lieutenant was first to arrive and reported heavy smoke and fire in the rear of a one-story wood frame house, extending to the interior. The first arriving company advanced a hoseline to the interior of the structure quickly knocking down the fire that had extended inside, while a second hoseline was stretched to the rear of the structure to attack the exterior fire.
A search of the home confirmed it was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
Fire extended in the attic, first floor and basement. It was brought under control in about 30 minutes and companies remained on scene until around 5:15. The house sustained heavy damage to the attic, first floor and basement.
Brewster, Dennis, Chatham, Orleans, and Yarmouth assisted at the scene, while Orleans, Eastham, and Hyannis provided station coverage.
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time, but is not believed to be suspicious.
The previous incident in the Marsh off North Road was quickly resolved and the individual was removed with no injuries.
Photos and video by Jake O’Callaghan/CWN
