Published December 20, 2019
MELROSE — Working smoke alarms kept damage to a minimum in a Washington Street home on Sunday, December 15, fire officials said.
As people wound down in a finished basement at 372 Washington St. after watching the New England Patriots clinch another berth in the NFL playoffs, a smoke alarm sounded on the first floor of the two-family home. Residents went upstairs and found smoke but could not figure out where it was coming from, officials explained.
At 5:06 p.m. the Fire Department got a call regarding smoke in the house and all companies were dispatched. Engine 2 under the command of Lt. Matt Brammer was first on scene, and Brammer learned that people had been enjoying a fire in the basement fireplace. After opening up walls and the ceiling, firefighters saw that fire had spread there. Quickly, attack lines were brought into the first floor and into the attic as the fire points were surrounded and doused. Engine 3 supplied water to Engine 2, and because the house sits back from the street, additional apparatus from Malden was called in so hoses could be added to deal with the distance and help the fire fight.
Investigators believe the cause of the smoke and fire was a cracked chimney liner.
Six people were temporarily displaced and damage is estimated at between $75,000 and $100,000.
“Everyone got ahead of the fire and performed their jobs well, as they always do,” said Fire Chief Ed Collina. “Because the smoke alarms were working, we were able to keep damage to a minimum. This could have been a lot worse.”
Firefighters were back in quarters by about 7:45 p.m.