Structure Fire on Maxwell Street Quickly Knocked Down by Haverhill Firefighters

Photo by Mike Jarvis - Jarvi ProductionsHaverhill Fire Lt Goudreault reunited a cat with its owner.

Photo by Mike Jarvis - Jarvi ProductionsHaverhill Firefighters getting ready to provide oxygen to a cat.

Photo by Mike Jarvis - Jarvi Productions Haverhill Firefighters checking for hotspots.

Photo by Mike Jarvis - Jarvi ProductionsResident reaction to Haverhill Fire Lt Goudreault with the resident cat.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 2:58 PM, the Haverhill Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 14 Maxwell Street. Haverhill Police were first to arrive on scene and confirmed that all occupants had safely exited the home.
Haverhill Fire Engine 1, staffed with four firefighters and located less than a mile away, arrived at 3:01 PM and reported smoke showing from the residence. Engine 1’s crew immediately stretched a hose line and began making aggressive fire attack. Deputy Chief Link arrived moments later and transmitted a working fire.
Upon entry, Engine 1 crews located a fire in the garage and began suppression efforts. Engine 3 arrived shortly after and secured a water supply for Engine 1. The fire was quickly knocked down through the coordinated efforts of Engine 1 and Engine 3. Rescue 1, Ladder 1, and Engine 4 arrived to assist with ventilation and overhaul operations. As Engine 2 and Ladder 4 were canceled pre arrival.
During ventilation efforts, Lieutenant Goudreault of Engine 4 rescued a cat from the home and reunited it with its owner. Firefighters provided the animal with oxygen and evaluated it for injuries. The cat appeared to be uninjured. It is unknown if any other pets were in the residence.
While fire investigators remained on scene, Engine 1 continued to monitor for hotspots. Engine 2 and Ladder 4 were released before arrival, while Engine 3, Rescue 1, and Ladder 1 were released from the scene following initial operations.
Haverhill Police closed Maxwell Street to traffic during the response. PrideStar EMS provided standby EMS support at the scene. Thankfully, all residents were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported.
The fire, which appeared to have originated in the garage, was contained to that area. The cause remains under investigation by the Haverhill Fire Department, Haverhill Police, the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Massachusetts State Police.