BARNSTABLE – A report of smoke in the kitchen of a large house at 3401 Main Street (Route 6A) in Barnstable forced the closure of Route 6A in the area. The call came in sometime after 2:30 PM Monday. Because of apparatus in the street, Route 6A was closed between Hyannis/Barnstable Road and Braggs Lane. After investigation, it was determined a water cooler had burnt out causing the smoke.
Barnstable Fire reports that on Monday, they were dispatched at 2:47 PM for a reported structure fire at 3401 Main Street (Route 6A), in Barnstable Village. Barnstable Engine 202, Ladder 206, Ambulance 203, Chief 201 and Deputy Chief 210 responded to the address. When the fire department arrived, they found the home safely evacuated of all 5 residents and a reported smoke condition in the kitchen.
An investigation into the smoke condition was traced back to a drinking water dispenser that had an electric heating function. The water dispenser was disconnected and removed from the residence. Damage was limited to the water dispenser and the home was able to continue to be habitable.
There were no injuries to any of the residents or firefighters. The Hyannis Fire Department responded to the scene with an engine and West Barnstable Fire Department responded to the scene with an engine and a Chief Officer.
The official cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be an electrical shortage within the water dispenser. The Barnstable Fire Department would like to stress the importance of having working smoke detectors and prioritizing safely evacuating a building when there is a fire.
Photos by John P. Carroll/CWN
