Andover Firefighters Battle House Fire Monday Night

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover Fire Rescue Department battled a house fire Monday evening, Chief Michael B. Mansfield announced. Firefighters responded at 8:52 p.m. to a 2 1/2 story wood-frame split-level home at 3 Candlewood Drive, after receiving a 911 call from a resident. On arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke showing and a working fire response was ordered.

Firefighters arrived within five minutes. After ensuring that both occupants were safely out of the home, "crews mounted an aggressive interior attack, locating the main body of the fire in the kitchen and knocking it down within 10 minutes of Engine 3's arrival on scene," Mansfield said.

There were no injuries reported.

Fire damage was limited to the kitchen and the "immediate attic area," but there was smoke damage throughout the house. The house's smoke detectors were not functioning. Mansfield estimated the damage at $110,000.

"The home was deemed uninhabitable pending repairs. The residents, who are renters of the home, were receiving temporary housing assistance from their landlord Monday evening," the announcement continued.

The Andover Fire Rescue Department is investigating the cause of the fire, which began in the kitchen.

The Lawrence and Wilmington Fire Departments provided station coverage during the incident.

Chief Mansfield emphasized the importance of having working smoke detectors.

The department offered the following tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• "Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month using the test button. Replace alarms immediately if they don’t respond properly when tested.
• Replace batteries in smoke and CO alarms when you change your clocks.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they reach 10 years old. Replace CO detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the home, and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay in that spot until emergency personnel arrive.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household."

The Andover Fire Rescue Department can be reached at 978-475-1281.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.