Stoneham Fire: Resident, Firefighter Hospitalized After North Street Blaze

STONEHAM, MA — A Stoneham firefighter and a resident suffered non life-threatening injuries while battling a two-alarm blaze on North Street Thursday morning. Firefighters responded to 154 North St. at around 10:15 a.m. Thursday and battled a fire that had damaged three golf carts, one car and the rear of the home.

Both the firefighter and resident were transported and later released from the hospital. The fire was under control by noon, and Stoneham Fire Chief Matt Grafton said that the wind played a major factor in the fire burning for as long as it did.

"Our guys did a great job," Grafton told Patch."We had to pull a lot of hose line to get to it. We made a nice, aggressive attack."

The Stoneham chief confirmed with Patch that the fire is believed to have been started by a fire pit, and the flames later spread to the golf cart and two other vehicles.

Grafton added that firefighters were also challenged by the engine of one of the cars, which was made with magnesium turning the blaze into a Class D fire. On top of the wind, firefighters had to use a special extinguisher in order to corral the flames.

"The only thing that would have been worse is if it happened tonight," said Grafton.

The damage is estimated to be around $150,000-$200,000. Grafton said the home suffered extensive smoke and water damage. Reading, Saugus, Wakefield and Woburn's fire departments also assisted with the blaze.

The home is located between I-93 and Main Street near the Redstone Shopping Center.

Images via William McCabe