Fire in 2½-story home displaces two residents as mutual aid crews battle flames in freezing conditions; cause under investigation
READING – The Reading Police and Fire Departments, with support from mutual aid partners, responded to a three-alarm fire that left a firefighter and a resident injured in freezing temperatures on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, at approximately 5:41 p.m., the Reading Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to 27 James Road for a report of a possible structure fire.
Police and Firefighters arrived at the scene a short time later and discovered heavy fire showing from a 2 1/2 story home, and an approximately 65-year-old man with burns.
Police and Firefighters provided immediate first aid before the resident was transported to a local hospital. Firefighters immediately searched the building and attacked the fire. Freezing temperatures and cluttered conditions hampered firefighting efforts.
A firefighter was later transported to a local hospital for evaluation of injuries that did not appear to be serious.
Two residents were displaced.
Firefighters from Wakefield, Woburn, North Reading, Melrose, Wilmington, Burlington, Andover, and Lynnfield provided mutual aid at the scene. Firefighters from Saugus, Winchester and Lawrence covered Reading stations. Armstrong Ambulance, Atlantic Ambulance, the Reading Board of Health and the Reading Department of Public Works also responded to the scene to provide support.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Reading Police and Fire Departments and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
