Fire Department battles two alarm house fire
Published on November 25th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - A Montvale Avenue fire which is believed to have begun due to faulty electrical equipment was successfully fought by Stoneham, Woburn and Reading firefighters Sunday afternoon.
According to Captain Joseph Rolli of the Stoneham Fire Department, the fire began in the basement of a two family home at 20 Montvale Avenue. Firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 3:15 p.m. and noted smoke coming from the home upon their arrival.
Firefighters Joseph Lupo and Richard LeBlanc along with Lieutenant Edward Regan entered the home through the rear door in an "initial attack" of the blaze and headed down to the smoke infested basement. They were later relieved by Woburn firefighters after a second alarm was struck.
The all-out was given at approximately 5 p.m. after Stoneham and Reading firefighters completed a thorough search for victims. Personnel from the Melrose Fire Department manned the Stoneham fire station while local firefighters were at the scene.
"It was mutual aid at its best," Rolli said of the four departments working in conjunction. "It worked well. Real well."
He explained that a youth was forced from the home due to the extensive smoke emanating from the basement and called 911 to report the fire. Smoke damage to the home has forced the two families to be displaced by the Red Cross.
Rolli said that the fire "is not suspicious whatsoever," and is believed to have begun when an extension cord caused a spark and, later, the fire. The incident is still under investigation.
Of the work of the firefighters under his command, Rolli said, "It was just basic firefighting 101. You just go by the book and most times it goes right."
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