WAREHAM, MASS. (WHDH) - Fire broke out at a two-story home in Wareham Friday afternoon, and a firefighter nearly fell through the roof while fighting the flames, according to the Onset Fire Department.
Onset Fire Assisstant Chief Howard Andersen said they received a 911 call reporting a fire at a home on Dusty Lane at approximately 2 p.m. When crews arrived, they observed smoke and flames coming from the building.
Andersen said no residents were home at the time of the fire, but a family pet who was inside did not survive.
No one was hurt, but Andersen said one firefighter had a close call while working on the roof to try and ventilate smoke from the building. He said the firefighter was working close to the ventilation hole and briefly stepped into it, but he was quickly removed.
In a statement, Andersen said, “Vertical ventilation is a common tactic that is routinely used, and is a key component is structural firefighting. We are fortunate that no one was hurt today and the firefighter was quickly assisted by the other firefighter working beside him. Firefighting is a team effort and that is evident today.”
Crews were able to get the fire under control a short time later.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Onset Fire Department and Wareham Police, assisted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Fire Investigation Unit.
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