Shortly after 2 a.m. on July 26, a single 911 call rang in for a fire at 15 Fifth St.
As apparatus were enroute, additional calls continued to pour in.
Deputy Chief Daniel Kirouac said fire was showing from the rear of the three-story 35x50 building. The working fire was now struck and an engine from Fitchburg was sent to the fire.
The second-alarm was sounded. The exposures on the B & D side were now being threatened as the fire rapidly consumed the entire second and third floors.
Numerous 2 ½ s and deck guns were being deployed on the fire.
Chief Robert Sideleau II requested a third alarm.
Water sources were tough due to the home being on a dead-end street. It took firefighters about 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
The only person living in the home stated he dragged a mattress out of the first floor.
The upper floors has been completely gutted for years while the building was going through renovations.
One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation and was transported.
Mutual aid included Fitchburg, Sterling and Lancaster while Westminster, Clinton, Lunenburg covered the City.
