ANDOVER — Chief Michael B. Mansfield reports that Andover Fire Rescue responded to and extinguished a two-alarm house fire at 26 Vine Street Wednesday night.
At approximately 7:23 p.m. yesterday, Andover Fire Rescue received a 911 call from a resident of a single-family home reporting a fire.
Upon arrival, the Deputy Fire Chief observed heavy flames and smoke coming from the home. Two residents who had been inside the home when the fire began had both safely exited.
Firefighters were on scene within two minutes, and crews mounted an exterior attack due to the size of fire. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, firefighters entered and chased hot spots inside.
Due to the extent of the fire, a second alarm was struck and firefighters from Lawrence and Tewksbury responded to the scene to assist. Members of the Methuen, North Andover and Wilmington fire departments provided station coverage.
Firefighters aggressively attacked the flames and the fire was under control by approximately 8 p.m. As of 12:30 a.m., firefighters had cleared the scene.
A male occupant of the home was treated for minor injuries at the scene. There were no other injuries reported in the fire.
The residents of the home will be temporarily displaced and were being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The home where the fire began sustained extensive fire, smoke and water damage worth an estimated $350,000.
The investigation by the Andover Fire Rescue and the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire started in a breezeway in the home, where a window air-conditioner was plugged into a four-way extension cord. Propane tanks stored in the area fueled the fire.
“We are entering a very hot and humid stretch of weather,” Chief Mansfield said. “It is critically important that air conditioners be plugged directly into a wall outlet that is designed to carry the heavy electrical load. Do not plug air conditioners into power strips or extension cords.”
Chief Mansfield would like to express his gratitude for the efforts of firefighters from Andover and the other responding departments who assisted on the call.
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