Somerville Fire Department Issues Warning After Busy Month

SOMERVILLE, MA — Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen warned residents about improperly disposing smoking materials after a busy month during which firefighters battled 11 building fires.

"Several of them originated on porches or decks," Breen said. "Once again, residents are reminded to dispose of smoking materials in a metal container of sand and to not extinguish smoking materials in potted plants, combustible containers or throw them off the porch where they could ignite mulch or other combustibles."

The most serious fire came Saturday afternoon in an apartment building on Somerville Avenue, Breen said. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 12:30 p.m. after a passing bicyclist banged on the fire station door.

Arriving firefighters found the fourth-floor balcony engulfed in flames, which spread into the apartment and under the roof. Fire and smoke damage was limited to the fourth floor; however, there was water damage on all floors, Breen said.

All occupants of the building, which has nine apartments and one office, were able to safely evacuate. A firefighter was bitten on the hand while saving a dog and was treated and released from the hospital, Breen said. A cat was also rescued from the building.

Damages are estimated at over $200,000. All occupants will be displaced until repairs are made, Breen said.

The fire is believed to be accidental.