Holliston Fire: Early-Morning Blaze Destroys Home

HOLLISTON, MA — Before firefighters got there, the residents - including their pet - had gotten out safely as a chimney fire threatened the home.

At 6:22 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, Holliston firefighters responded to a house fire at 577 Gorwin Dr. Everyone had gotten out safely, but the rear of the home was heavily engulfed in flames. Despite the below freezing temperatures, crews aggressively battled the fire for several hours.

According to Fire Chief Michael Cassidy, the residents were first alerted to the fire by smoke detectors.

“Working smoke alarms made the difference in this incident,” said Cassidy in a statement. “Although they emerged without shoes or jackets, the residents are safe because properly operating smoke alarms alerted them of the need to get out of the house. This serves as a vivid reminder that everyone should check their detectors tonight before they go to bed; smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.”

According to fire officials, the house is considered to be a total loss. The origin and cause of the fire was determined to be a result of a chimney fire which had spread to the house. Fire suppression efforts were hampered by the winter weather. “Fortunately, there were no injuries,” said Cassidy. “With the help of the DPW, we spread salt and sand around the trucks, due to icing conditions.”

The Holliston Police Department and Holliston DPW re-routed traffic on Gorwin Drive while the fire department was operating on scene. The last of the fire personnel cleared the scene at 12:20 p.m.

Photo via Holliston Fire Department