New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Shortly after 5:00am this Friday morning, 911 calls received reporting a structure fire at 14 Sidney Street.
The tenants were alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms. The first floor tenants were able to observe flames in the unoccupied third floor apartment through a window on a third floor porch. They led the ninety-four year old second floor tenant to safety along with their family and three cats.
Command Unit 2, District Chief Scott Gomes, confirmed a working fire that originated from the third floor with extension into the attic and exterior wall on Side B of this three-story wood frame dwelling. Crews advanced hose lines into the third floor and attic along with ventilation to extinguish the fire. Additional crews also prevented damage to the 2nd and first floor apartments with salvage covers.
No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported. Five adults and four children were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The fire is being investigated by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit. The cause is accidental originating from an electrical event in the third floor dining area.
The ninty-four year tenant has lived in the second floor apartment for sixty-five years. In addition to the American Red Cross, she is also being assisted by family members. She stated to Fire Investigators that when she moved in, she was paying $8 a week for rent.
NBEMS and NBPD assisted the NBFD on scene.” -New Bedford Fire Department.
All photos by STRUCTURE FIRES on Facebook and the Fire Prevention Bureau:
