By Ron Ayotte, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – Firefighters from the Marlborough Fire Department Group 4 battled a structure fire at 982 Boston Post Road East last night during the busy evening commute at approximately 5:40 p.m. Engine 3, Engine 1 and Engine 2 responded, along with Car 5, Rescue 1 and Tower 1. Cars 1, 2 and 3 also responded. Patriot EMS was on scene in case there were any injuries; Marlborough Police did traffic control, shutting down that section of Route 20 during the fire.
Engine 3, the first due Engine company reported that the fire was in the rear of the structure. The fire was quickly knocked down before it got into the main section of the house. Despite the quick knockdown, the fire caused some significant damage.
Marlborough Fire Chief James Breen credited his personnel with making a good stop. He stated that “it was textbook firefighting… an aggressive fire attack and a quick knockdown. The firefighters did one hell of a job”.
There were no reported injuries. The all out was declared at 8:47 p.m. According to Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Gogan, the fire was deemed accidental and estimated damage was approximately $150,000 to $200,000.
The home, located across the street from the Wayside Inn General Store complex is one of the oldest structures in the city. It was built in 1760 and was known as the Amos and Jonas Darling house and the K. Jones tavern in the mid 1800s.
The Marlborough Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit is conducting the investigation.
Photos/courtesy Marlborough Fire Department
Ron Ayotte is the former Marlborough Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief.
