For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 26, 2018

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

Newbury Fire Department Extinguishes Garage Fire

NEWBURY — Chief Douglas Janvrin reports that the Newbury Fire Department extinguished a garage fire on Plum Island last night.

On Thursday, Jan. 25, at 5:30 p.m., Newbury firefighters were dispatched to 22 Columbia Way for a report of a garage fire. Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames showing from the garage attached to a two-story wood frame home and began an aggressive attack to put out the blaze.

The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes of firefighters’ arrival on scene, and flames were kept from extending to the rest of the home. The residence sustained significant smoke damage and was deemed uninhabitable, while the garage and its contents were a total loss.

“I am proud of the work our firefighters did to quickly knock down this fire and prevent it from spreading to the home,” Chief Janvrin said. “They were able to work efficiently and professionally despite extreme cold temperatures and harsh winds.”

Residents were home at the time of the fire, but were able to evacuate safely. However, the family’s cat did not survive.

The Newburyport and Rowley Fire Departments assisted at the scene, while the Salisbury and Georgetown Fire Departments provided station coverage.

Residents who were displaced were able to seek support from nearby family members.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Newbury Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office, but is not believed to be suspicious.

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