November 6, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                     Contact information

For Immediate release                                                           Chief Michael B. Mansfield

                                                                         Phone #978-475-1281 x2004

                                                                         Deputy Chief Richard Hartman

                                                                         Phone #978-475-1281 x2017

On November 6, 2007 at 19:12 hrs. a single 911 telephone call was received in Andover communications from a neighbor who was reporting a basement fire at 16 Ridge Street.

Andover Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the address at 19:13.  

Upon arrival at 19:16, Deputy Chief Richard Hartman reported smoke showing from the first floor of the building and upon further investigation reported a working fire in the basement of the occupancy. 

A second alarm was requested at 19:26 and placed all on duty Andover Fire Rescue personnel at the scene of the fire and the notification of off duty Andover Fire Rescue personnel to respond and assist for coverage was also placed at 19:26.

The fire was knocked down at 19:29 hrs and placed under control several minutes later.

Assistance from Lawrence, North Andover, and Tewksbury was requested to cover the Andover fire stations and to assist at the scene.

The incident caused extensive fire damage to the basement area of the home and moderate smoke and fire damage was sustained to the first floor of the building.

The fire was attacked through an aggressive interior attack by firefighters and was difficult to contain due to the balloon frame building construction and because of flammable liquids being stored in the basement.

The cause of the fire has been determined as accidental.

The fire is under investigation by Andover Fire Rescue and the Andover Police Department.