ANDOVER — Chief Michael B. Mansfield reports that the Andover Fire Rescue Department responded to a house fire Monday evening.
Andover Firefighters responded at 8:52 p.m. to a 2 1/2 story wood-frame split-level home located at 3 Candlewood Drive after receiving a 911 call from one of the two residents. Upon arrival, Andover Engine 3 found heavy smoke showing and a working fire response was ordered.
Firefighters were on scene within five minutes, and after ensuring that both occupants were safely out of the home, crews mounted an aggressive interior attack, locating the main body of the fire in the kitchen and knocking it down within 10 minutes of Engine 3’s arrival on scene.
No injuries were reported.
The aggressive work of firefighters resulted in fire damage that was limited to the kitchen and immediate attic area, however there was smoke damage throughout the home. There are smoke detectors in the home, but they were not functioning.
Chief Mansfield estimated the damage at $110,000. The home was deemed uninhabitable pending repairs. The residents, who are renters of the home, were receiving temporary housing assistance from their landlord Monday evening.
The fire originated in the kitchen, and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Andover Fire Rescue Department.
The Lawrence and Wilmington Fire Departments provided mutual aid in the form of station coverage during the incident.
Chief Mansfield emphasizes the importance of having properly working smoke detectors in homes.
Andover Fire Rescue offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
- Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
- If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
- Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.
If any Andover resident has questions or concerns about smoke detectors, they should call the Andover Fire Rescue Department at 978-475-1281.
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