On September 25, 2022, at approximately 6:05 pm, the Hanover Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 327 Old Town Way. A full first alarm assignment was dispatched consisting of Engine 7, Engine 4, Engine 3, Tower 1, Ambulance 1, C1, and C2. The Regional Old Colony Communications Center was receiving multiple calls reporting heavy fire and smoke from a house and the possibility of one occupant still inside. Heavy smoke was visible from a distance and a working fire assignment was requested while en route. Upon arrival, heavy fire was found consuming an attached garage of a single-family, ranch-style residential structure. The fire was extending to the main house and heavy smoke was visible throughout the building. A second alarm was requested bringing additional mutual aid assistance to the scene. First arriving crews made an aggressive attack on the fire while simultaneously making entry into the house to knock down and prevent fire spread to the main structure.
The fire was found to have extended to the attic and basement ceiling of the main structure and to an adjacent automobile, which became fully involved with flame. Multiple crews worked extensively to contain and extinguish the fire. Crews also ventilated the attic space from the roof. Firefighters had to contend with live electric lines on the scene after they had melted from the heat of the fire. A significant overhaul was necessary to ensure the complete extinguishment of the fire.
A cat was found by crews conducting searches. The animal was taken out of the building and treated by EMS crews on-scene before being reunited with the family. Upon arrival, crews also were able to confirm that all occupants, including the one reported having still been inside, safely evacuated the house prior to arrival.
Mutual aid engines from Norwell, Hanson, and Pembroke along with a Rockland ladder truck and Marshfield ambulance assisted Hanover firefighters on scene. Engines from Abington and Whitman provided station coverage during the incident. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Rehab Unit also assisted on-scene. Support from the Hanover Police Department, Hanover Department of Municipal Inspections, Hanover Department of Public Works, National Grid, and Eversource was necessary.
Two off-duty firefighters who happened to be at headquarters preparing for an upcoming department event responded on the first arriving apparatus. Having these additional firefighters upon arrival significantly aided the ability to get multiple hose lines into operation.
There were no injuries reported at the incident.
The fire remains under investigation by the Hanover Fire and Police Joint Fire Investigation Unit.
Firefighters cleared the scene at 10:20 pm.
