2 Rescued From 2-Alarm Rockland Fire: Video

ROCKLAND, MA — Two people were rescued from a two-alarm fire Friday morning when firefighters climbed up to the third floor of the apartment to save them.

Around 8:30 a.m., the Rockland Fire Department were called about a house fire at 77 Division Street. Upon arrival, firefighters saw a 16-year-old girl yelling for help from a third floor window as heavy smoke billowed out.

Rockland firefighters sprang into action, putting a ladder up to the window. The firefighters climbed the ladder and were able to help the girl escape out the window.

Firefighters helping her climb out the window can be seen in the video below:

Firefighters then entered the third floor apartment and found a 19-year-old woman. She was trying to find the door, but couldn't because of the thick smoke that filled the room Firefighters helped the woman make it safely outside.

Both women were taken to South Shore Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. According to the fire department, both are expected to make a full recovery.

"Thanks to the quick actions of our firefighters we were able to get these two girls to safety. The apartment was full of smoke by the time we arrived and the girls were unable to get out," Chief Scott Duffey said. "I want to commend the brave work of the responding firefighters for the great job they did today."

Due to most of Rockland's personnel being used for rescue efforts, Duffey called for a second alarm and help from neighboring fire departments. Abington, Hanover, Whitman, Norwell, Hingham, Hanson and Randolph responded to assist on the call. The American Red Cross also responded and provided assistance.

According to Duffy, the fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen. It took firefighters about a half-hour to douse the flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the initial investigation indicates that it is accidental.

No other occupants of the three-family home were inside at the time of the fire. Multiple dogs and birds were also rescued from the home and taken into the custody of the Rockland Animal Control Officer.

The fire was contained to the kitchen, largely due to a water pipe that had melted in the flames.

"This could have been a lot worse if that pipe had not melted,"Duffey said. "The pipe acted as a sprinkler system would, keeping the flames down until we arrived on scene."

The residents of all three apartment units will be displaced due to smoke and water damage throughout the building.

Duffey estimated the building took about $70,000 worth of damage.

Photos courtesy of Rockland Fire Department