Early morning fire at Harwich multi-family apartment building sends one to hospital

The Harwich Fire Department responded to 920 Rt 28 for a reported structure fire in a multi-family two story building.  One victim was rescued from the fire and transported with life threatening injuries to Cape Cod Hospital.  The cause of the fire appears to be careless disposal of smoking materials.  The fire was contained to one room.  No other injuries to occupants or firefighters.  Harwich Police and Mutual Aid companies assisted at the scene. The Red Cross was called to assist with a displaced resident.
 
 
Details:
 
At 3:49am the Harwich Fire Department received a call for a smoke in the building at 920 Route 28 in South Harwich.  Just prior to arrival a second call was received for the Fire Alarm system and sprinkler system being activated.
 
Harwich Deputy Fire Chief Dave LeBlanc was the first to arrive along with Harwich Police.  Smoke was coming from the second floor of the building and the other residents reported an occupant was inside the fire apartment.  Deputy Chief LeBlanc immediately entered the building, and accessed the second floor unit.  Heavy smoke was coming from the door to the apartment.
 
Deputy LeBlanc entered the apartment and could hear the victim moaning.  After a brief search of the living room, the victim was located on the couch and removed to the hallway where Harwich Police Officer Robert Hadfield was waiting to help remove the victim from the building.
 
The fire started in the bedroom and appears to have been caused by careless disposal of smoking materials. The fire was contained by the sprinkler system in the building, and was quickly extinguished by fire crews.
 
The victim was treated and transported to Cape Cod hospital.  No update is available at this time as to their condition.
 
Mutual Aid companies responded from Brewster, Chatham and Dennis and assisted at the scene and by covering the Harwich Stations. The Red Cross was requested and arrived to assist the resident of the other unit in that building.

Photos CWN/Craig Chadwick (click photos to enlarge)      

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