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WEBSTER, MA - Just before 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night, March 21, 2009 members of the Webster Fire Department and Rescue Squad were toned out and requested to respond to a possible building fire on Bates Grove Road, close to the Connecticut state line. A number of Webster jakes arrived on scene ahead of the responding apparatus, and reported that there was a fire in the area of a metal chimney on the roof of a dwelling located at 5 Bates Grove Road.

The first due engine arrived just about four minutes after the initial call, and crews went to work raising extension ladders and roof ladders to access the fire on the roof of the modular home. As first water was started on the blaze, the smoke condition worsened and smoke and fire could be seen traveling along the length of the metal ridge vent at the peak of the roof. Firefighters went to work on both sides of the roof, cutting vent holes and pulling up the ridge vent to hold the fire in place while crews opened up ceilings below to access the hidden fire. Members of the Rescue Squad could be seen throwing large tarps known as salvage covers over the homeowner’s furnishings and belongings to prevent water damage. The fire was quickly brought under control, but not before the dwelling received significant damage.

One Webster fire lieutenant was transported to the hospital for overexertion. No other injuries occurred during the incident. The cause of the fire is undetermined and under investigation at this time, and a damage estimate was unavailable. Approximately twenty firefighters responded to the scene on two engines, two ladders and a heavy rescue. The Dudley Fire Department responded to Webster to cover their headquarters station. The fire was brought under control in about an hour.

For additional images of this incident, go to: First Due Images by Alan Brackett