New Bedford Fire Department responds to fire on Hemlock Street with roof collapse

“At approximately 7:05pm, Wednesday, November 2, calls were received for a reported structure fire at 296 Hemlock St.

On arrival Engine 6 reported heavy fire on the second floor of a 2 and 1/2-story home with neighbors reporting the house as vacant. The crew of Engine 6 made entry through the side door and encountered heavy fire in the stairwell. Ladder 3 conducted a search of the first floor while Engine 7 dealt with impeded access to the second floor via the front stairway to attempt a search.

Fire quickly broke through the roof and crews were evacuated. While transitioning to an exterior attack, a partial roof collapse occurred falling into the structure making it extremely difficult to get at pockets of fire hidden by the newly created void spaces.

Crews were on scene for over two hours locating hot spots to fully extinguish the fire. Engine 1, Ladder 1, Unit 1 and Unit 2 were also sent on the initial response with Engine 8 and ISU-1 being dispatched to assist.

The fire is currently under investigation with the NB Fire Investigation Bureau. Thanks to #NBEMA #NBPD #NBEMS and Providence Canteen for all of their assistance.” -New Bedford Fire Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Fire Department and/or Structure Fires Facebook:

Video by Carlos Pimental Felix: