Smoke Detectors Saves Lives – Orchard Street House Fire

A Mom and her two children (ages 14 and 7) escaped a fire in their home early this morning without harm because of operating smoke detectors. According to Upton Fire Chief Goodale at approximately 3:30 a.m. the smoke detectors sounded, the family evacuated the home and called 911.

The Upton Police Department arrived on scene and reported heavy fire showing. At that point the Upton Fire Department  requested a working fire assignment that brought automatic mutual aid engines to the scene of the fire from Grafton, Hopkinton and Northbridge. When Chief Goodale arrived on scene he requested a second alarm which brought additional mutual aid engines from Westborough and Milford as well as tankers from Hopedale, Grafton, and Mendon due to the fire being outside of the hydrant district. Uxbridge covered Upton’s station during the fire.

According to Chief Goodale the fire was under control in about 40 minutes, “there were lots of hot spots throughout the house.” Most of the home was saved. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Three cats were rescued from the fire and were treated with oxygen masks for animals on site, one cat required additional treatment and is recovering at Tufts Animal Hospital.

Chief Goodale stressed the importance of working smoke detectors. “Most people don’t plan on having a fire; we know three people got out unharmed (this morning) because of working smoke detectors.” Chief Goodale advised changing the batteries in your smoke detectors when you move your clocks for daylight savings. “Smoke detectors are an important safety feature, it’s important to make sure they are working.”

The Red Cross was on scene today. The family was working with their insurance company and had called in a clean-up company. There is no information on how residents of Upton can help at this time. Once additional information is received it will be reported.

original report