CANTON — Chief Charles Doody reports that the Canton Fire Department extinguished a basement fire Wednesday morning.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., Canton firefighters responded to 272 York St. after receiving a 911 call from the homeowner who discovered smoke in their house. The resident had reportedly been out of the home since Tuesday afternoon and returned Wednesday morning to find smoke in the house.
Upon arrival, the first arriving engine company found a working fire in the basement of the two-story wood-frame home. Firefighters initiated an interior attack and extinguished the fire. The high temperature and humidity, in addition to access issues, caused challenges for firefighters. Multiple crews responded to allow the first responding units to recover.
The fire was declared under control at approximately 9:50 a.m. and crews began salvage and overhaul operations. The last unit cleared the scene at approximately 11:45 a.m.
The lone occupant and their dog were able to escape the house prior to firefighters’ arrival and did not report injuries. No firefighters were injured.
The Stoughton and Milton fire departments responded to the scene to provide mutual aid. The Boston Sparks Association also responded to the scene with its Incident Support Unit (A-10). The Norwood Fire Department provided station coverage.
It is estimated that the home sustained approximately $50,000 in damage. The resident and pet are currently displaced and being assisted by family members.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Canton Fire and Police Departments, Building Commissioner and Electrical Inspector, however it is believed to have been caused by an apparent lightning strike from storms in the area on Tuesday evening. It is believed that the fire smoldered overnight until it was discovered by the resident this morning.
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