Residents Escape, Cat Rescued In 3 Alarm Fire In Newton

NEWTON, MA — Firefighters rescued a cat and residents were able to get out of a home that caught fire early Wednesday morning on Cook Street in Nonantum. Fire officials told reporters the flames were so bad at one point that the roof began to collapse around firefighters during the three alarm fire. No firefighters were injured, according to the mayor.

"As I listened over the fire/police radio, it was clear that the firefighters were working in tough, dangerous conditions. Snow and ice covered the ground, and they found the nearest fire hydrant on Cook Street frozen. Ice encased firefighters’ helmets and gear," said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement.

Around 1:30 a.m. someone who saw the flames called to report it at 46 Cook St, which is a two family home. When firefighters got there flames were pouring out of the roof, so they called a second alarm and shortly after called a third. All crews made their way to the area to fight the blaze along with a crew from Brookline as temperatures hovered in the single digits.

All three people who were home at the time of the fire were able to escape without injury. Firefighters were able to rescue a cat and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes, according to the mayor who praised the work of the emergency responders.

The people escaped because they heard smoke detectors before firefighters arrived, according to Fire Captain Eric Fricke.

Investigators determined the fire started on the first floor because of an electrical issue.

The two and a half story duplex at 44-46 Cook Street was built in 1895 and last accessed at $741,300.

Brookline, Boston, Needham, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley and Weston who backed up Newton engine, ladder and rescue companies.

Newton Police, Newton Dispatch, Newton DPW, Newton Utilities and Cataldo Ambulance helped at the scene, according to the mayor.

Watertown Street was shut down at Cook Street in both directions as crews worked into the morning. Green Street was shut between Pearl and Chapel streets.

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Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).

Photo courtesy Newton Fire Department