FALMOUTH – Firefighters were called to a structure fire in Falmouth around 2:30 PM Sunday. Heavy smoke was pouring from the Lake Shore Drive residence when crews arrived. The fire appeared to have started in the basement. One person was evaluated for smoke inlation. At one point all firefighters were ordered out of the building as crews switched to a defensive attack. Officials ordered a second alarm to bring additional personnel to the scene.
Falmouth Fire-Rescue/CWN
From Falmouth Fire-Rescue: At 2:30 PM Sunday afternoon, Falmouth Emergency Communications received a call from an occupant of a home on Lakeshore Drive in East Falmouth, reporting a fire in the basement. Engine 20 from the Hatchville Fire Station arrived on location and reported heavy smoke coming from the structure; all occupants were out and accounted for. A working fire was declared, and additional apparatus was dispatched to the scene. Fire crews entered the basement through a slider entrance in the foundation. They encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions while attempting to locate and extinguish the fire. Additional fire personnel on the first floor found that the floor was compromised in several locations. Fire command ordered all fire personnel out of the building, and a 2nd alarm was dispatched for additional help.
Fire crews repositioned to an exterior attack and extinguished the fire. Once the majority of the smoke had cleared from the building, crews were able to reenter and fully extinguish the fire.
Three occupants were treated at Falmouth Hospital for non-life-threatening fire-related injuries. Unfortunately, the family’s two dogs were unable to escape the fire. One firefighter was evaluated on scene for a minor injury.
The fire remains under investigation by the Falmouth Fire Rescue-Fire Investigation Unit, Falmouth Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Unit, which is assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Thanks to the mutual aid fire companies that provided assistance at the scene and maintained town-wide coverage. A special thank you to the Providence Canteen from the Special Signal Fire Association for providing rehab services to the fire crews.
