TEMPLETON, Mass.- Approximately 57 vehicles were damaged in a fire at an auto auction facility in Templeton early Thursday morning, according to fire officials.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the Templeton Fire Department’s confirmation that 57 vehicles were damaged, revising earlier estimates of approximately 60.
The fire occurred on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Insurance Auto Auctions on Baldwinville Road. Flames and heavy smoke were visible from the property as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
The incident prompted a mutual aid response from surrounding communities. The Gardner Fire Department said its units responded to a request for assistance after reports of a fire accompanied by explosions.
When crews arrived, they found more than 15 vehicles already fully involved. The fire escalated to a third alarm as additional resources were called to the scene.
According to the Templeton Fire Department, firefighters worked through challenging conditions, including limited on-site water supply, which required mutual aid departments to establish a sustained water supply using more than 2,000 feet of large-diameter hose.
Once water supply operations were established, crews brought the fire under control.
In its official update issued July 3, the Templeton Fire Department confirmed that 57 vehicles sustained fire damage during the incident. Earlier estimates from responding agencies placed the figure at approximately 60 vehicles.
No firefighter injuries were reported, and authorities have not confirmed any civilian injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have not announced any determination and said no further information will be released while the investigation is ongoing.
At the time of the fire, the National Weather Service had issued an Extreme Heat Warning for much of southern New England, with heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees. Officials have not indicated whether the weather played any role in the cause of the fire.
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