Cause Of Fire That Caused $3.5M In Damages Likely Electrical

ANDOVER, MA — The cause of the fire that caused more than $3.5 million to a massive Andover home is believed to be electrical, fire officials said. The exact cause of the July 8 blaze at 8 Brundrett Ave. is undetermined.

The fire ripped through the more than 5,800-square foot home. Both people inside were able to safely escape; one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

Andover Fire Chief Michael Mansfield and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said Thursday the fire appears to have started in the basement ceiling above the bathroom, where a combination vent and fan were installed with other wiring. The fire likely burned for some time before being spreading to the attic and the rest of the home.

"The residents were very fortunate to escape the home because it had been burning undetected for a length of time," Mansfield said. "Sprinklers, if installed in the home, might have prevented such a devastating loss and disruption to the family."