New details: Fire breaks out on exterior of Harwich apartment building

HARWICH – Fire broke out on the exterior of an apartment building in Harwich shortly after 11 PM Thursday. Firefighters responded to the Pine Oaks Village Apartments at 81 John Nelson Way and quickly put out the fire. Crews checked to make sure the flames had not gotten inside the structure. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Further details were not immediately available.

From Harwich Fire: A little after 11 PM (Thursday), a 911 call was received for a shrub on fire outside 81 John Nelson Way, Pine Oaks Village, off Bank Street. Shortly after, the department was dispatched, additional information was received that the fire had spread to the building.

A first alarm assignment was transmitted which recalled all off-duty Harwich Firefighters, and responded engines from Dennis and Brewster as well as a ladder from Chatham to the fire.

The Harwich Police were first to arrive and reported fire showing from the outside of the structure. They also reported that both occupants had exited the building. On arrival, Engine 64 confirmed fire showing from the exterior. A 1 3/4 inch line was stretched to the building, and the fire was quickly knocked down. A check of the interior revealed no extension inside the structure.

Companies were on the scene for approximately an hour until a property representative arrived on the scene to secure the property and assist with the displaced occupants.

“The Pine Oaks Village Apartments is a three-phase development located on Cape Cod, in the town of Harwich. Pine Oaks Village features  all ground-level, one bedroom apartments for senior citizens over the age of 62, as well as the handicapped and disabled.” – From the property management company’s website.

Damage is estimated at $11,000. The initial fire was caused by a pizza box that was ignited by the stovetop. When the occupant moved the smouldering box outside, it was blown into the ground plantings and flared,. igniting the shrugs and, eventually the outside of the building.



CapeCod.com
737 West Main Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Contact Us | Advertise Terms of Use 
Employment and EEO | Privacy