Chelsea firefighters faced a double header last Saturday, March 7, and it has nothing to do with spring training.
On Saturday, March 7, at 12:06 a.m., the fire department responded to the report of a building fire at 17 Fifth St., above the Isla Tropical Restaurant. Engine 2 and Tower 1 were first to arrive on scene from the Central Fire Station. Crews reported the sprinkler system had activated on the second floor and located the fire inside one of the residential units. Items left on top of the stove ignited and the flames quickly spread to the cabinets above.
Acting Deputy Chief Paul Giancola ordered a “Working Fire” assignment, which brought Engine 1 and Ladder 2 to the fire scene to assist Engine 2, Engine 4, Engine 3 and Tower 1.
Crews extinguished the fire and remained on scene checking for extension until approximately 3:30 a.m. Damage is estimated at $30,000. No occupants were injured.
Later on Saturday at 11:08 p.m., the fire department responded to the report of a building fire at 80 Maverick St. Engine 4 and Tower 1 were first to arrive on scene from Central Fire Station and reported a heavy smoke condition on the second floor. As crews opened up the ceiling they found fire in the void space extending to the area above.
Deputy Chief Robert Cameron ordered a “
Working Fire” assignment, which brought Ladder 2 to the fire scene. Engine 1 was unable to respond to the fire as they were dispatched to a person stabbed on Hawthorne Street. Crews worked for over an hour to extinguish the fire and check for extension.
Engine 2 and Tower Ladder 1 both sustained extensive damage from the high snow banks as they tried to navigate onto the narrow street to access the fire building.
The Fire Investigation Unit responded and determined the fire started in an electrical fixture on the second floor. Damage is estimated $25,000. No occupants were injured.