WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – Firefighters in Westborough, Massachusetts, successfully rescued two individuals from a burning building in the town early on a Sunday morning. The Fire Chief, Patrick Purcell, stated that the incident took place around 1:55 a.m. at a mixed-use establishment on 22-26 South St., which accommodates businesses on the ground floor and apartments above.
Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters were met with intense flames at the back of the building and discovered two individuals stranded on the roof, attempting to escape the fire. The individuals were identified as a resident of the building and his girlfriend. The resident shared the urgency of the situation, mentioning the quick decision-making needed to ensure their safety.
Using ground ladders, Westborough firefighters successfully rescued the man and his girlfriend before proceeding with a swift and aggressive approach to tackle the fire, bringing it under control by approximately 2:40 a.m. Fortunately, both rescued individuals only suffered minor smoke inhalation and declined medical assistance.
Chief Purcell expressed gratitude for the timely response of the firefighters, as the station’s proximity allowed for a rapid rescue operation. Despite initial reports of a missing person, thorough searches confirmed everyone’s safety. Additionally, significant damage estimated at $1 million was reported, impacting a Thai restaurant and an unoccupied storefront within the building.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire, emphasizing the importance of fire safety protocols and the swift action of emergency responders in protecting lives and property. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by firefighters in ensuring community safety and responding effectively to emergency situations.