New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“At 5:25pm today, the NBFD responded to a reported structure fire at 23 Beetle Street. Upon arrival, crews reported a kitchen fire in the third floor north apartment. This three-story wood frame structure contains six dwelling units. The tenants were alerted to the fire by a properly functioning fire alarm system.
Crews stretched one hoseline to the third floor and the fire was confined to the kitchen area in the apartment of fire origin. The fire did not extend to the attic space.
There were no firefighter or civilian injuries. Seven tenants including three children who reside in the apartment were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. One tenant from this apartment was arrested by the NBPD. The cause of the fire was investigated by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit and determined to be accidental, involving a cooking incident. The tenants of the remaining apartments were not displaced and were able to return to their units once the utilities were restored.
The crew of Engine 9 overcame an “obstruction” in front of the closest hydrant and were able to secure a water supply.”-New Bedford Fire Department.
