PEABODY — An attic fire broke out midday Monday on 1 Ellis St., causing significant damage to the one-story ranch-style house. All three occupants evacuated safely.
According to Peabody Fire Chief Jay Dowling, firefighters were alerted to smoke coming from the property’s roof at 12:22 p.m.
“They cut a couple holes in the roof and pulled some ceilings and they were able to knock the fire down rather quickly,” Dowling said. “It was a blown insulation, so it was smoldering for a bit. It took just a bit to get all the insulation out of there and get all those hot spots.”
Access to the attic was very restricted, and the responding firefighters had to cut holes through the ceiling.
“It was right around where they had a pellet stove, right where the chimney was, so they had to rip those ceilings apart,” Dowling said. “They had to wet a large area down, so there was a lot of water soaked through the house also.”
Four Peabody engines and a ladder arrived on scene, most of which left by 1:30 p.m. and fully cleared out by 2:00 p.m. Coverage was provided by Lynnfield Fire Department.
As of now, officials have not determined a cause, but investigators don’t believe there was any foul play and are currently ruling it as an electrical fire.
