On Feb. 20, Onset, Ma. Fire Department was notified at 1323 hours of a house fire at 16 Whittemore Ave. A first alarm assignment was transmitted. The response included Onset E1, E2, L1, Sqd. 3 along with Wareham Police and Wareham EMS. Heavy fire and smoke was showing from the occupied, 2 1/2 story woodframe dwelling.
The fire conditions were rapidly spreading throughout the house; and exposures on sides B,C and D were being threatened. A second alarm assignment was ordered. bringing mutual aid companies from Wareham, Bourne, Plymouth and Carver.
Onset E2 was the first due company and laid a 4" supply line from a hydrant 200' from the fire building. Upon arrival, a Blitz attack with E2's deckgun, a 2 1/2" handline and 2" Class "A" foam line. Firefighters knocked down the heavy fire and cooled the exposure building off the B & C corner.
During the initial attack, command was notified that there could be a person in the house. An aggressive interior attack was initiated by a back up crew that conducted a secondary search. No one was found.
The house which was balloon frame construction, was being renovated.
One Onset Firefighter was transported to Tobey Hospital for exhaustion and dehydration. He was treated and released.
