PEABODY — A single-story ranch home on Butternut Avenue was adversely affected by heavy fire, water, and smoke damage on Tuesday afternoon, and the fire’s cause remains undetermined.
The Fire Department received a call for the reported house fire at 3 Butternut Ave. at 4:07 p.m. Tuesday. The first company on the scene, according to Fire Chief Jay Dowling, was Engine 7, which reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the building.
Firefighters stretched the hose line to the back of the building and tackled the flames from the outside before making entry into the home through the back door.
Shortly after, a second alarm was struck, leading all Peabody companies — including five engines and a ladder truck — and the Lynnfield Fire Department to arrive at the scene to assist.
Once the ceiling collapsed in the front of the building, Dowling said, “We ordered companies out of the building and went defensive, and we were able to knock it down within probably 10 minutes… and then we just chased hot spots.”
Dowling said the fire likely began at the rear of the house, went up the sides, got up into the eaves and into the attic, and spread through the whole length of the house through the attic.
Dowling said the resident at the scene made it out safely, as did his dogs. The first dog was found quickly. The second dog, a scared poodle who was hiding behind a couch, was found later and promptly given oxygen and water.
There were no injuries reported, “but the house took a heavy loss,” Dowling said, adding that the residents will be displaced for “a long period of time.” The Red Cross was at the scene assisting the resident with temporary housing needs.
Dowling has not yet spoken with the building inspector, who will determine whether the home will be considered a total loss.
There has been a GoFundMe created to support the Asaro family as they now face an overwhelming loss of nearly all their possessions. Funds raised will go toward: clothing and shoes, food and household essentials, medications and personal care items, replacing basic furniture and necessities, and supporting the family as they begin rebuilding their lives. Visit tinyurl.com/Asaro-Family to contribute.
