Photos/Story By: Ricci B. Ruschioni
Shortly after 8:30 PM on Saturday September 16, the Orange Massachusetts Fire Department was dispatched to 14 Ball Street for a reported fire.
First-in firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions on the first floor in a large 3 story apartment building. A second alarm was immediately transmitted. Firefighters attempted an interior attack, however within 30 minutes firefighter were ordered to evacuate the building.
Four alarms would be required to battle this stubborn blaze. It would take almost three hours to bring the blaze under control. Firefighters from Athol, Erving, Warwick and Northfield assisted Orange firefighters at the scene of the fire. Orange firefighters were at the scene until 5:30 AM the next morning.
Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion at the scene. Woods Ambulance from Athol was called in to stand-by at the scene during the fire.
The fire caused very extensive damage to the building and nine people were left homeless. The fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office.
Photos attached show Orange firefighters battling the blaze over an hour into the fire.
