Fire Department Releases Cause of Auburndale Fire

The Newton Fire Department says smoke detectors are to thank for keeping a person safe and limiting the damage to a residence at 387 Wolcott St. on Monday.

According to a press release, a resident of the Auburndale colonial was home when smoke detectors sounded the alarm. The resident escaped the home safely and reported the fire at 11:07 a.m.

Fire crews arrived to find "heavy fire" in the home's attic and third floor, prompting a second alarm. By opening the roof, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the home's top floors. In all, 35 firefighters responded to the scene and contained the blaze within about 30 minutes.

Fire and electrical investigators cited an electrical issue as the cause of the blaze and the damage is estimated at $300,000. According to public records, the home's most recent assessment came in at just over $960,000.

One firefighter was treated and released at the scene for smoke inhalation.

During the fire, the Waltham, Wellesley and Brookline fire departments provided station coverage in Newton.