Early Morning Fire Destroys Two-Family Watertown Home

An early-morning fire that originated on a School Street porch destroyed a two-family home and sent two firefighters to the hospital with minor injuries, fire officials said.

The fire was reported sometime around 12:30 to 12:45 Thursday morning, according to Watertown Fire Deputy Chief Robert Iannetta. The fire originated on an exterior back porch, where there were items stored, he said.

Initial reports early in the morning indicated the house was on Belmont Street, however the address is 417 School Street, on the corner of Belmont and School streets, Iannetta said. Ten to 12 people occupied the two-family home, and all got out safely, Iannetta said.

The two-and-a-half story home is not habitable and Iannetta estimated the damages at $150,00 to $200,000, and is likely a total loss. The two families displaced by the blaze have taken shelter with family, Iannetta said.

Two firefighters were injured during the fire, Iannetta said. One firefighter’s eye was injured and another had a shoulder injury. Both firefighters were treated at the hospital and released, Iannetta said. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Iannetta said.