NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford Fire Department crews responded to multiple 911 calls Monday afternoon for a structure fire that left a resident with serious burn injuries.
The calls came in at approximately 2:30 p.m. according to the New Bedford Fire Department, and multiple units responded to 101 Topham Street.
Arriving crews encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the two-and-a-half story single-family home.
Water supply issues arose when a nearby fire hydrant became inoperable, but firefighters were able to extend to another area hydrant.
Tank water was used while crews worked to reach the alternate hydrant.
The building had balloon-frame construction, which led to the rapid spread of fire to the second floor and attic.
This resulted in a partial roof collapse while solar panels affixed to the roof slowed work to create ventilation.
Crews were able to contain the fire and bring it under control, and one resident who exited the building before fire units arrived suffered burn injuries.
The resident was transported to the Rhode Island Burn Center where they remain in serious condition.
One firefighter also sustained minor injuries and was transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital and later released.
The fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the New Bedford Fire Investigation Unit.
