The Waltham Fire Department responded to a report of a fire alarm sounding at 2:46 am on Sunday 26 April 2026 at 247 Bacon Street that was quickly updated to report of a building fire. First arriving companies at 2:49 am found residents still inside on the second floor. Waltham Fire and Police crews assisted the residents getting out. The first alarm brought Engine 2, Tower 1, Rescue 1, Engine 4, Car 2 and Engine 1 as the Rapid Intervention Team (R.I.T.). The fire was coming out a 3rd floor window in the rear of the wood frame two-family home and began coming out the eaves.

Fire Suppression Group 4 Deputy Paul Quaranto requested a second Ladder (Waltham Ladder 2) to the scene and then ordered a 2nd Alarm. This brought Squad 5, Engine 3 and Engine 8 to the fire. Other command staff responded as well, including Car 1, Car 3, Car 4 as the Safety Officer and H-1. Crews performed primary and secondary searches. In all, 8 residents were evacuated from the building and displaced by the fire. Armstrong Ambulance units transported 3 residents from the scene.

During operations, crews had to cut numerous large branches so Ladder Tower 1 could access to the fire building. Crews used transitional attack of exterior lines to knock down heavy fire and then interior hose lines to battle the fire. Crews were pulled out of the building as the structure weakened and part of the roof on the third floor collapsed. The building sustained heavy fire, water and smoke damage through all 3 levels.

The State Fire Marshal's Office responded to assist Waltham Fire and Waltham Police with the cause and origin investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.