Matthew Reid
Client News, Fire News
MERRIMAC — Chief Larry S. Fisher reports that the Merrimac Fire Department battled a significant three-alarm structure fire at a single-family home on Skunk Road Sunday afternoon.
At approximately 2:15 p.m. Merrimac Fire received a 911 call reporting a structure fire. The first arriving firefighters attempted to attack the fire but were met by extremely heavy flames and were pushed back.
A second and third alarm were struck requesting additional apparatus and manpower.
Three firefighters were transported to nearby hospitals. One was treated for a heart-related medical emergency and two for injuries sustained during the response.
The home is expected to be a total loss.
Crews are expected to remain on scene throughout the day and overnight for overhauling and as part of the initial fire investigation.
Early on heavy flames from the home caught nearby brush and wood, and spread rapidly. The spreading flames caused a significant threat and if it were not for the quick and efficient efforts of Merrimac firefighters, mutual aid departments and the Massachusetts DCR Forest Fire Control and Forestry Division, the flames could have resulted in a widespread blackout in the area and additional property damage.
Significant water supply and water pressure issues at nearby hydrants hampered initial firefighting efforts.
The Merrimac Fire Department received on-scene assistance from the Amesbury, Newburyport, Groveland, West Newbury, East Kingston, Georgetown, Salisbury, Haverhill, Rowley, Methuen, Newton (New Hampshire) and Plaistow (New Hampshire) Fire Departments.
Merrimac Police and DPW; the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services; the Cataldo Ambulance Rehab Unit; fire chiefs from East Kingstown, Amesbury, Newburyport and Newton; and the Amesbury Emergency Management Agency responded as well.
The origin of the fire will be investigated by the Merrimac Fire Department and Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.
