IPSWICH — Fire Chief Paul Parisi and Police Chief Paul Nikas report that public safety officers in Ipswich responded to a two-alarm fire overnight.
At 12:29 a.m. Thursday, dispatchers received a 911 call from a resident at 89 North Ridge Road. Police officers reached the scene first, reporting an active fire. They were followed seconds later by firefighters. The officers assisted firefighters in stretching a feeder line to the hydrant, while the Engine 2 firefighters worked on the fire.
Firefighters searched the home and found no one inside. A second alarm was struck, with mutual aid partners arriving and assisting with the firefighting effort.
“I want to be sure that people know our police officers were vital to the success of this operation,” Chief Parisi said. “Officers assisted firefighters in stretching a large hose line to the nearest hydrant. That was vital, because it enabled our first crews on the scene to maintain a water supply. Once again Ipswich’s officers and firefighters showed that we work as a team at emergency scenes.”
Rehab 5 crews provided rehabilitation supplies, and the Ipswich Electric Light Department cut power to the building.
One firefighter suffering from shortness of breath was transported by Action Ambulance Service to Beverly Hospital. He was treated and released.
Chief Parisi said that having four fire department members working the overnight shift made a huge difference in stretching two hose lines and getting a quick knockdown on the fire.
“Firefighting is a labor-intensive job,” Chief Parisi said, “and having four members on a crew is imperative to completing the multiple tasks that need to be done at a fire within the first few minutes.”
The chief also praised members of the department for their quick, decisive actions in knocking down the fire.
He added: “This fire is a timely reminder that working smoke alarms save lives. A fire in the middle of the night can have devastating consequences if occupants are asleep. In this case, the smoke alarms alerted the occupants that there was a fire in the building. This allowed the homeowner and her daughter to escape with their cat.”
Chief Parisi reminds residents to check their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working. Fire departments often suggest using the transition to standard time as a chance to make sure these are operational.
The home is owned by Kathleen Young. Its assessed value is $159,900. Officials estimate the fire caused about $100,000 in damage.
Mutual aid was provided by Topsfield and Rowley firefighters, while crews from Wenham, Hamilton and Manchester-by-the-Sea provided station coverage.
The fire remains under investigation by the Ipswich Fire Department and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. It is not believed to be suspicious, Chief Parisi said.