WFD Battles 3-Alarm Fire at 19 Everett Street

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The Waltham Fire Department responded to 19 Everett Street Thursday night at 7:17 pm for a fire at a 2-story wood frame house.  The fire resulted in a 3-alarm response and caused heavy fire, smoke and water damage to the home.  No residents were in the building at the time of the fire and no firefighters were injured battling the blaze.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Waltham Fire Department authorities and the State Fire Marshal's office. 

Engine 4, Rescue 6, Ladder 1 and Engine 2 responded, along with the Fire Suppression Deputy (C2), to the initial alarm.  On arrival, crews found smoke and fire showing extending from the basement up the side of the house.  At 7:21 pm a working fire was declared bringing Engine 1 as the rapid intervention team and a medic unit from American Medical Response (AMR).

Ten minutes later the Deputy ordered a second alarm response consisting of Waltham's Ladder 2, Engine 7 and Engine 3.  The fire eventually resulted in a 3rd alarm response at 8:22 pm bringing Waltham's remaining units, Squad 5 and Engine 8, along with mutual aid companies.

In all, nine surrounding communities provided mutual aid support both at the fire scene on Everett Street and covering Waltham's fire stations.  The cities and towns providing support were Arlington, Belmont, Cambridge, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Watertown, Wellesley and Weston.

By 10 pm the heavy fire was knocked down and crews were performing extensive overhaul operations.  The last crews cleared and the all out was given just after 3 am.