A cooking fire appears to be the cause of a fire at a home in a senior living community in Halifax Wednesday afternoon.
WATD’s Lenny Rowe files this report:
Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros says crews responded to calls for a structure fire on Beachwood Road.
The fire took place in the Halifax Estates, a 55-and-older community.
“They found heavy fire upon their arrival, there was one occupant inside the structure,” said Viveiros. “He was able to get out on his own prior to their arrival.”
Janet Durgin lives next door, and saw heavy fire and smoke billowing from the home.
“He lives by himself, he lost his wife about three years ago,” she said of her neighbor. “He has a son, but he’s out of state and he’s been trying to get him to move down with him, but he just didn’t want to leave.”
Chief Viveiros said the fire appears to be cooking-related, and quickly spread due to metal construction. It was contained to just that home.
An initial on-duty crew of three Halifax firefighters responded to the scene and started putting out the fire. About 13 members from Halifax responded to the scene. Mutual aid from Pembroke, Plympton, and Hanson responded. Chiefs from Pembroke, Hanson, Plympton, and Kingston were on scene as well. It took about 20 minutes to knock down the bulk of the fire.
“The Red Cross has been notified,” said Viveiros. “Our Council on Aging Director is working with them to get the resident set up for the night.”
He said the home is a total loss.
“He just needs all of our help right now,” said Durgin. “That’s what neighbors are for.”
