Wilmington Fire Puts Out Cardinal Court Exterior Fire

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Fire Department put out a mulch bed fire at 501 Cardinal Court Wednesday, Fire Chief William Cavanaugh said.

No residents were home when the exterior fire began, but a neighbor called 911 shortly before noon. By the time crews arrived on the scene, a six-foot bush in front of the house was on fire, Cavanaugh said.

Firefighters started a full response, bringing in crews from Burlington, Billerica, Woburn and Tewksbury. Other surrounding communities provided station coverage while Wilmington firefighters were battling the blaze.

Debris at the back of the house also caught fire and began to climb the outside, Cavanaugh said.

The bulk of the exterior fire was knocked down quickly.

"They worked really well and were able to make the scene safe inside in about 15 minutes," Cavanaugh said.

The large-scale response was due to the heat Wednesday, the chief said.

Crews went into the house to make sure there was no fire or damage inside; the inside walls were hot, but nothing had ignited.

There were no injuries to bystanders or firefighters. Residents are expected to be able to return home once the utility company confirms the utilities are safe.

The fire was still under investigation by Wilmington and the state fire marshall, Cavanuagh said Thursday.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.