Westfield firefighters have saved two homes in six days. Both fires are believed to be accidental and caused a total estimated damage of $45,000.
Around 1 p.m. March 5, a contractor installing a dryer duct at 14706 Harvest Dr. was pushed off an outside ladder. WFD Spokesman John Barrett said investigators believe he hit an electrical line inside the home. After falling off the ladder he stood up, went inside the home, and got everyone out safely. Then, the homeowner called 911.
“Westfield firefighters arrived shortly after and went inside to extinguish a fire in the kitchen area. While doing this, other crews began quickly searching the house and checking for fire on the second floor,” Barrett said. “Within 20 minutes, crews had the fire out and investigators begin their inspection.”
The contractor was treated and released by medical crews on the scene, and there were no other injuries. Investigators believe the fire was an accident and caused by electrical wires. Damages are estimated at $20,000.
Shortly after 4 p.m. on Feb. 28, a neighbor noticed smoke coming from a home at 14910 Bridlewood Dr. and called 911. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find smoke billowing out of the home and quickly went into action.
“Crews entered and found fire extending out of the first floor fireplace. As they began to extinguish the fire, other fire stations began to arrive and also went into action. These additional crews searched the home, attacked the fire on the second floor, and cleared the roof all at the same time,” Barrett said. “It was the quick action and seamless coordination between multiple fire stations that saved this family’s home.”
Barrett said the homeowner had started a fire in the fireplace earlier and was experiencing problems with the damper. Everyone made it out of the home safely without injuries. Damage is estimated at $25,000.