For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Andover Fire Rescue Extinguishes Roof Fire on House

ANDOVER — Chief Michael Mansfield reports that Andover Fire Rescue extinguished a one-alarm house fire earlier today.

At 10:51 a.m., Andover Fire Rescue received a 911 call from a resident on Cross Street who stated he saw fire coming from the roof of the home at 89 Cross Street.

Ambulance 2, the first arriving unit, reported flames showing from the roof. The fire appeared to be coming from under a set of solar panels, which were mounted to the roof. Engine 1 and 3, along with Ladder 1, Ambulance 1 and Car 2 responded to the scene. The Tewksbury and Lawrence Fire Departments provided station coverage.

Crews used ground ladders to access the roof. A line was also stretched into the home in the event of extension, however the fire was contained to the roof. The inside of the residence sustained moderate smoke damage.

No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries to firefighters were reported.

“I want to commend firefighters for their work today,” Chief Mansfield said. “Because solar panels store electricity, this adds an entirely different dynamic to how we fight the fire. Crews did a great job quickly extinguishing the fire while keeping themselves safe at all times.”

Crews cleared the scene at 12:40 p.m. Chief Mansfield estimates the damage to the home to be around $50,000. The home is habitable.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, however investigors will focus on the solar panels.

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