Dog killed after condominium fire on New Year's Eve in Bellingham
BELLINGHAM — A dog was killed and a family of three is homeless after a condominium fire that occurred just before midnight on New Year's Eve, authorities said.
The fire at 2 Bucky Drive, part of the Chestnut Hill Condominiums, is believed to be an accidental and electrical in nature, Fire Chief Steven Gentile said Tuesday.
The fire was reported at 11:58 p.m. Saturday, the chief said. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the second of six units.
"We were told the mother wasn't home, but it was unclear if the 13- and 15-year-old children were inside," said Gentile. "As we were making the attack to look for the kids, one of the neighbors had reached the mother on the phone and said her kids were with her."
Because of the initial possibility that the two teens were inside, Gentile said he called for a third alarm, bringing the Blackstone, Franklin, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, Mendon, Norfolk, Wrentham and Woonsocket, Rhode Island, departments to the scene.
More:Bellingham home torn down after late-night fire; four dogs found dead
Gentile credited firefighters from Franklin and Woonsocket for opening up ventilation to the unit, which prevented the fire from spreading to other units.
"No one was injured, but unfortunately a dog did not make it," he said.
Although the fire was contained to one unit, carbon monoxide levels were raised in the other five, and no one was allowed to return until later Sunday when the carbon monoxide levels lessened.
"We didn't want people staying there with those unacceptable levels," the chief said.
The condo unit in which the fire occurred is a total loss. Gentile estimated the loss at about $400,000 when including all personal property that was destroyed.
The Greg Hill Foundation is running a fundraiser for the family — Rachel Barrasso and her two children. The foundation will match the first $5,000 in donations. To donate, visit https://www.thegreghillfoundation.org/donations/barrasso-family/.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: New Year's Eve fire kills dog, destroys condo unit in Bellingham
