UPDATE: Fall River Fire Department issues update on blaze that displaced 19; fundraisers created after 3-alarm blaze in frigid temps
After firefighters fought fierce flames and freezing temperatures, more than a dozen families in Fall River were forced to evacuate.
After receiving many emergency calls, the Fall River Fire Department arrived at around 3:45 a.m. to investigate allegations of a structure fire at 143 Choate Street, according to Captain Eric Caffrey.
When firefighters arrived, they found a large amount of flames coming from the front windows of the three-family, wood-frame house on the third level. Before response workers arrived, the fire had gotten worse, and they started suppressing it right away.
More engines were called to the scene of the incident due to the volume of fire visible.
IAFF Local #1314 Fall River Firefighters
Because this was a balloon frame house, the fire spread to the first and second floors.
By 4:30 a.m., the fire was deemed to have contained.
Two command vehicles, six engines, two ladder trucks, and Heavy Rescue 1 were among the total resources. Fall River Special Service Emergency Management, Fall River Emergency Medical Services, and Fall River Police Department personnel also arrived to help.
The fire has forced three families—with nine adults and ten children—to relocate. In order to help with interim housing and other requirements, the American Red Cross has been alerted.
The three-alarm fire necessitated the recall of off-duty personnel, according to Fall River Fire Fighters Local 1314.
Conditions were really challenging because of the freezing weather.
According to a friend of one of the victims, at least one family lost everything.
According to reports, one individual was hurt.
According to Caffrey, the Fall River incident Department is still investigating the cause of the incident, but it started in the third-floor unit.
