HARWICH, MA - The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received a call for a structure fire at 1569 Orleans Rd. at 6:38 A.M. on the morning of January 2nd. The Harwich Fire Department was dispatched, along with a line response from Brewster, Chatham and Dennis.  

Engine 65 from Station 2 reported heavy smoke visible from Station 2 as they signed on and immediately requested a working fire. The working fire brought Orleans to the scene, and Yarmouth, Hyannis and Eastham in for station coverage.

On arrival, Engine 65 was confronted with heavy fire and smoke from the front of a single-story ranch. It was initially unknown if the building was occupied. The floor inside the front door was compromised, which hampered access to the fire area.

Contact was made with the building occupants, and it was determined that no one else was inside the building. A search by companies on scene confirmed the building was empty.

Three handlines were stretched and operated, and the fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes.  Companies operated for another hour on scene, chasing hot spots and checking for further extension. National Grid and Eversource were called to the scene to secure the utilities.

Harwich Police, Department of Public Works and Water Department assisted at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but appears accidental. The American Red Cross was contacted to provide housing assistance for the occupants.