The Hingham Fire Department says five people are displaced and a home at 392 Main Street is a “total loss” after a three-alarm fire.
Fire Chief Steve Murphy says an electric heater appears to be the cause of the fire. Numerous towns responded to the fire yesterday afternoon just after 1 p.m.
“The mother and one of the sons went outside onto the farmers porch, they noticed a heater that was smoking. They turned the switch off for it, and heard a pop. A few minutes later there was flames coming out of the heater,” said Murphy. “The family attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher, but it spread too quickly. They then went to the point of evacuating the house and getting everyone safely out.”
Crews responded from the nearby fire station. A second alarm was struck, quickly followed by a third alarm.
Mutual aid included Hull, Scituate, Weymouth, Rockland, Braintree, and Norwell. Quincy and Hanover provided station coverage. The heavy fire was knocked down in 20 minutes.
“When we got here, the whole front porch was blowing out fire,” said Lieutenant Chris DiNapoli. “There was heavy smoke coming from the upper-floor windows, with flames starting to roll up the front of the home.”
Murphy says the home, built in the 1860’s, includes an open floor plan, which lead to extensive damage throughout.
“It quickly expanded beyond where it first entered in,” said Murphy. “It doesn’t look like it from out here, but the entire house is a total loss.”
Murphy said fortunately, there are no injuries at the scene.
“It’s always a tough time when a family loses a home. It’s even worse around the holidays. I’m glad that the crews that were here, were able to assist them in getting some mementos out of the house,” said Murphy. “There wasn’t a lot of Christmas presents, but we were able to save a couple.”
The fire quickly spread at 392 Main Street in Hingham. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Mutual aid from the towns of Hull, Scituate, Weymouth, Rockland, Braintree, and Norwell responded to the scene. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Hingham Fire Chief Steve Murphy helped bring items out of the home. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Members from the State Fire Marshal’s Office took photos of a heater in front of 392 Main Street. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
