Seven neighbors displaced after a “total-loss” home fire in Shrewsbury

The Shrewsbury Fire department necessitated the help of crews from Northborough and Westborough fire departments to knocked down a massive fire that almost consumed a home located in 45 Manor Road.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at 7:45 AM after a 911 call from the owner of the property on Saturday, February 8th, 2020, according to a press release submitted by the agency. Firefighters from Engine 2 were the first to arrive. They observed heavy flames exiting a window on the right side of the building. The blaze reached the first and second floors and into the attic.

“Crews aggressively worked to extinguish the flames. A frozen hydrant delayed the water supply available to firefighters, but crews were able to access and use a hydrant approximately one-tenth of a mile down the road,” the agency explained.

All of the occupants evacuated the house before the crews arrived, and around 8:05 AM, the fire was controlled. There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. Still, the house sustained “significant damage and is believed to be a total loss,” the Fire Department stated.

“Despite unforeseen difficulties with a frozen hydrant, our firefighters acted quickly to extinguish this fire as soon as possible and we are fortunate none of the residents of the home or firefighters were injured,” Shrewsbury Fire Chief Vuona said. “As always we appreciate the assistance we received from neighboring fire crews as well.”

The American Red Cross is assisting with temporary housing for the seven residents displaced as a consequence of the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Massachusetts Fire District 14 and Massachusetts State Police.