LUDLOW – Chief Ryan Pease reports that the Ludlow Fire Department responded to and extinguished a two-alarm fire at a two-family home on West Avenue.
On Saturday, Feb. 4, at about 3:54 p.m., Ludlow Central Dispatch received a call from a resident at 291-293 West Ave. reporting smoke in the basement of the home.
Firefighters arrived at the home within five minutes, discovering light smoke showing from the eaves of the two-story balloon frame home, and heavy smoke showing on the second floor.
The source of the fire was located inside a first-floor wall. A second alarm was struck, bringing additional resources and mutual aid to the scene. Firefighters attacked quickly, opening walls on the first and second floor to expose and directly extinguish the fire.
No one was injured. Three residents were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ludlow Fire Department. A preliminary investigation has determined the fire was caused by a resident who was using an electric heat gun to defrost frozen pipes in the basement.
“We urge residents to take steps to prevent pipes from freezing, and to use extreme caution when attempting to defrost them, “Chief Pease said. “Residents are urged to contact a licensed plumber, or to use gentle warming techniques such as towels soaked in hot water.”
Chief Pease wishes to thank the Westover Fire Department for mutual aid at the scene, the Three Rivers Fire Department for station coverage, and the Ludlow Police Department for traffic management.