Ipswich Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm Fire at Condominium Building Under Construction

IPSWICH — Chief Paul J. Parisi reports that the Ipswich Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm fire at a two-unit townhouse condominium Wednesday morning. On Wednesday, June 29 at approximately 4:45 a.m., Ipswich firefighters were dispatched to 128 High St. for a report of a fire at a townhouse condominium. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke showing from one of two connected units. A second alarm was struck due to the severity of the conditions, drawing all off-duty and on-call Ipswich fire personnel and mutual aid partners from the Rowley Fire Department, Topsfield Fire Department, Essex Fire Department, Hamilton Fire Department, and Rehab 5 to the scene. Ipswich Police were on scene and assisted with water supply and traffic control. The fire was brought under control by approximately 5:45 a.m. Firefighters learned that the building was uninhabited at the time of the fire due to construction. There were no reported injuries. The building sustained significant smoke and fire damage and will require extensive rehabilitation. The building’s owner is working with a family that was preparing to move into one of the units find alternate accommodations for the family. Members of the Wenham, Manchester and Newbury Fire Departments provided station coverage. “I want to thank the members of our department for their quick thinking and all of our mutual aid partners for their timely response,” said Chief Parisi. “With their help, we were able to bring this fire under control in one hour.” The investigation indicates that the cause of the fire was accidental.

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