Firefighters knock down two-alarm blaze that damages Acadia Avenue home

By Mark E. Vogler

An early evening two-alarm fire last Thursday (April 10) caused extensive damage to a home on Baker Hill. But Saugus Fire Captain William E. Cross III hailed the response by firefighters of Groups 1 “a great stop.”

“And great job by Engine 1 getting first water on the fire,” Captain Cross said in a post on the Saugus Firefighters Local 1003 Facebook page.

“Having your neighborhood fire house [Essex Street Station] fully staffed is so important. If this is on the west side that fire will more than double in size every 30 seconds that water is not applied,” Cross said.

“Think about the life safety and property implications on that scenario. The 3rd station is long overdue and STAFFING MATTERS!!”

There were a few obstacles that Engine 1 and Group 1 had to overcome in extinguishing last Thursday night’s fire, one of them being a steep hill to move fire apparatus around to get at the raging flames. Firefighters had to use ground ladders because they couldn’t get the aerial ladder truck up the hill. Explosions were also overheard in the vicinity, which fire officials later theorized were a propane tank that exploded. Officials also had to contend with a disoriented resident who was worried about his dogs who was eventually led out of the house in handcuffs.

“The homeowner was handcuffed as a protective measure, he was not placed under arrest,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli told The Saugus Advocate.

“There are no criminal charges pending in this case,” the chief said.

Fire broke out at about 6:40 p.m. on the porch of the Acadia Avenue house. Two Saugus police officers, a Saugus firefighter and a resident of the house were treated for minor injuries. Several pets were rescued from the house. One of them bit a firefighter.

“A loud house shaking explosion and a series of smaller explosions were felt around 6:45 p.m. on Baker Hill in Saugus,” Carl Surabian said.

“A house fire ensued,” he said.

Jake Wark, a spokesman for the State Fire Marshal’s Office, said investigators believe the fire was accidental. “It’s still officially undetermined but does not appear suspicious,” Wark said in a statement to The Saugus Advocate.

“State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office and Saugus FD determined that this fire started on an exterior deck at the rear of the building and then spread to the main structure. They found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, and while they are looking at multiple potential factors they are all accidental,” Wark said.

“What we do know is that this is the time of year when more and more people spend time on their porches, and unfortunately that means more fire activity, too. These fires can be especially dangerous because smoke alarms inside won’t detect a fire outside until it’s grown to significant size,” he said. “Outdoor cooking, power tools that are left charging or left in direct sunlight, and staining/varnishing supplies can all start a fire on a porch, deck, or balcony. In particular, we want to remind folks to be careful with cigarettes and other smoking materials. If you must smoke, or if you have guests who do, please use a heavy ashtray with water or sand. Cigarette butts and other smoking materials tossed over the railing into dead leaves, mulch, or debris have started many serious fires, and in a densely built neighborhood these fires can quickly spread from house to house.”