Hydrant problem caused “significant delay”
Shrewsbury – Fire Chief James Vuona released a statement today regarding a shed fire that the department extinguished earlier this week.
On May 2, at approximately 8:58 p.m., Shrewsbury Fire received a 911 call for a report of a structure fire in the area of Bay View Drive and Norcross Point.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a shed in front of 2 Norcross Point fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters were concerned about extension to nearby homes and neighboring structures, so they began an aggressive attack to prevent the flames from spreading by cooling the exposed buildings with a constant flow of water.
The closest hydrant was not in good working order and was difficult to open, resulting in a significant delay in obtaining a steady water supply. Eventually, firefighters were able to open the hydrant enough to get a small water supply established and extinguish the flames.
Crews completed overhaul and cleared the scene at approximately 10:34 p.m. No injuries were reported.
“We are thankful that no one was injured as a result of this incident and that the fire didn’t spread,” Vuona said. “The responding crews did an excellent job of extinguishing the flames and protecting the neighboring homes and structures, especially considering they were having trouble getting water.”
The structure and its contents were deemed a total loss. There was also significant heat-related damage to three nearby houses with damages totaling an estimated $50,000. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the Shrewsbury Fire and Police Departments.
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