Douglas, MA — A two-family home constructed in 1900 was severely damaged by a fire on Thursday night.
According to the Douglas Fire Department, at approximately 10:36 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, units were dispatched for a reported structure fire at 73 Pine Street. Dispatchers reported receiving numerous 911 calls stating there was an exterior fire, possibly extending into the building, with residents still inside.
An off-duty fire lieutenant was the first to arrive on the scene, quickly reporting there was an active fire and all occupants were safely out of the building. A second alarm was struck based on the Lieutenant’s initial report.
When Douglas Engine 1 arrived minutes later, they found an exterior fire extending up the A/B (front-left) corner of the building into the third floor and attic. A transitional exterior attack was initiated by the fire due crew. Once inside, they worked their way up, discovering a minimal amount of smoke on floor two and heavy smoke on floor three.
Due to the lack of visibility on floor three, a vent hole was cut in the roof, allowing the smoke and heat a vertical escape. This allowed crews to locate the fire and quickly knock it down. The fire was placed under control within approximately 30 minutes.
Due to the fire being outside of the town’s hydrant district, a water supply was established using tankers supplying engines on the scene through a rural hitch.
No civilians or responders were injured during the incident. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the displaced occupants.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Agencies that responded included the Douglas Fire Department, Douglas Police Department, Northbridge Fire Department, Sutton Fire Department, Uxbridge Fire Department, Dudley Fire Department, Webster Fire/Rescue, Webster EMS, Pascoag Fire Department, East Putnam Fire Department, and Auburn Fire Department.