Albert B. Beardsley, Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833
For Immediate Release
Monday, Aug. 17, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Georgetown Fire Department Quells Overnight, Two-Alarm Fire
GEORGETOWN — Chief Albert Beardsley reports that the Georgetown Fire Department successfully battled a two-alarm blaze overnight after a row of garages housing farm machinery and equipment caught fire.
The fire occured on 32 Jackman St. A tenant from the same address called 911 shortly after 11:20 p.m. on Aug, 16 to report that a garage and farm tractor were ablaze.
Georgetown Police arrived on scene and confirmed there was a working fire and that it was spreading to the garages on both sides of the center garage. The reporting party, the single occupant from the address, was able to safely escape along with her dog.
A local farmer, the owner of the equipment, lives next door and was able to relocate some machinery before firefighters arrived.
Deputy Chief Russ Moyer arrived shortly after police and took command of the scene, issuing a second alarm. At one point during the fire, it’s estimated there were over 1,500 gallons of water flowing from the Georgetown Ladder truck and several hand-lines per minute.
Georgetown Car 1, Car 2, Car 3, Engines 1 and 4, Combination 4, Ladder 1, Rescue 1 and Ambulance 12 were on scene. Engine companies from Groveland, Byfield, Rowley and the Tower Ladder from West Newbury, along with Atlantic Ambulance’s paramedic unit, also arrived to assist.
Crews from Georgetown Municipal Light Department responded to the scene to shut off the power, as well as the Georgetown Building and Electrical Inspectors, who offered technical assistance.
“It was a very muggy, warm night and the extra manpower was necessary to help relieve Georgetown firefighters, who worked very hard to save the building,” Chief Beardsley said. “We are thankful no one was injured during this incident.”
While Georgetown units were responding to the fire, engines from Topsfield and Boxford manned the the station. Firefighters returned from the scene just after 2:30 a.m.
The fire is being investigated by the Georgetown Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. At this time the cause remains undetermined.
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