Stoughton home destroyed in fire fueled by oxygen tank explosions
The Stoughton Fire Department believes oxygen tanks contributed to the raging fire that destroyed a home Saturday afternoon.
Crews began to receive reports of explosions at the Central Street home as they rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully engulfed by the flames and witnessed multiple explosions from inside the burning building.
The explosions were likely fueled by oxygen tanks that were inside the home, according to Stoughton Deputy Fire Chief James Brackett.
“The way this building went up so quickly, it was astounding how fast this fire moved,” said Brackett. “We never made it inside the house. The whole front of the building was separating from the structure itself.”
Once firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, it was clear that almost the entirety of the house had been reduced to ash.
Several hoses were used to drench the smoldering remains.
The burnt and blackened remains of a car could also be seen in the driveway.
“When I arrived, the electrical service to the house fell on the car,” said Brackett. “So we had to wait until National Grid came to extinguish it.”
All four occupants of the house, two adults and two teenagers, were able to make it out of the home safely.
The American Red Cross has been contacted to help assist the displaced family.
Brackett estimates that eight engines, four ladders, and between 50 and 60 firefighters responded to the fire.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the origin of the devastating fire.
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