Grafton, Mass. firefighters responded to 23 Leland Street on July 16 for a fire. Grafton requested neighboring Upton to respond with their Ladder 1 as Grafton's tower ladder was out of service.
First crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from several buildings including a two-story wood-frame house. Two tankers were requested from Upton and several more from neighboring communities as there were no hydrants nearby.
Operations went defensive and the fire went to a second alarm. The fire had taken a hold of the attic of the house and extended to several out buildings.
A tanker shuttle was started and a water supply was established. More mutual aid companies began arriving and stretched numerous hand lines to all sides of the dwelling.
After about an hour of heavy fire, the second floor began showing signs of failure. Soon after, fire began dropping down to the first floor and the second floor collapsed. Several hand lines on the A side of the building quickly knocked what was left of the heavy fire and Upton Ladder 1 crews began using their ladder pipe to wet down hot spots. The fire in the exposures were knocked, and overhaul of what was left also began.
Millbury Hose 1 firefighters laid a four-inch supply line from nearby Route 140 to the scene. Grafton C1 reported that the fire was under control but companies would be tied up for an extended period of time.
The tanker shuttle was completed into the scene and companies took a breather. Several more mutual aid companies arrived for relief and the task of extensive overhaul began.
Several of the working fire companies were released back to there own communities. It appears the fire started in a large barn behind the house and spread quickly. All the buildings were destroyed or severely damaged.
The Massachusetts State Police Fire Marshals Office arrived on scene and investigation of the fire began.
