Quick Response Prevents Fire After Smoke Fills Basement in Shelburne
Orange, MA - On 17th October at approximately 8 p.m., Shelburne Control received a report of a basement filling with smoke. A first alarm was struck, calling for off-duty and call firefighters to respond, while Engine 2 and Ladder 1 arrived on scene with four firefighters.
Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke in the basement, though the source was not immediately identified. A working fire was subsequently toned, prompting mutual aid from the Athol, Gardner, Greenfield, and Erving Fire Departments.
Firefighters later determined that an overheated sump pump was the source of the smoke. The fire was quickly extinguished, and mutual aid was cancelled.
Officials remind residents to call 911 immediately upon noticing smoke or fire and to evacuate all occupants from the home. Homeowners are also urged to ensure they have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of their residence.
During the incident, firefighters also discovered an extension cord used for a space heater, which fortunately had been turned off. With the heating season beginning, residents are reminded to always plug space heaters directly into wall outlets to prevent electrical hazards.
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