At 12:36pm the Millis Public Safety Dispatcher received a 911 call reporting a house fire at 171 Union St. The on-duty members in Engine 1 and Chief Barrett responded. Enroute an Off-duty Firefighter gave an update of heavy fire showing. On arrival of Chief Barrett, he reported a large 2 ½ story wood structure with fire showing from all floors and heavy fire in the rear of the home extending to a detached structure. Engine 1’s crew pulled 2 lines, Lt. Conrad knocked down the bulk of the exterior fire while FF/P’s Wenzel and Greene stretched a line into the home where they encountered heavy fire throughout the first and second floor. Briefly there was a concern about an unaccounted occupant but with assistance from the Millis PD we were able to confirm all parties accounted for. A great response from our off duty and on call members staffed Engine 2, Ladder 1 and A1. Crews worked to extinguish all areas of the home and check for extension throughout. Our mutual aid companies were quickly on scene and assisted with overhaul and searching for missing pets. Sadly 2 cats and 1 bird were found deceased, Millis Animal control was on scene to assist with removal and transport for the family. Medway, Medfield and Norfolk fire were on scene and Sherborn covered the station but were moved up for additional personnel. Westwood responded for coverage and Bellingham provided an ALS ambulance on scene.
The fire was completely extinguished, and representatives of the State Fire Marshal’s office were on scene to assist with determining cause. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the homeowners with temporary housing.
Crews encountered freezing conditions and a bad hydrant, thankfully our DPW were on scene quickly and were able to remedy the problem. Once again during the fire a medical came in and Holliston provided an ambulance.
Thank you to our Mutual Aid partners, Medway Fire, Medfield Fire, Norfolk Fire, Sherborn Fire, Bellingham Fire, Holliston Fire and Westwood Fire.