Fire Heavily Damages New Bedford’s Sunrise Bakery

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — One of New Bedford’s favorite bakeries was heavily damaged by fire Wednesday night.

The New Bedford Fire Department was dispatched to Sunrise Bakery, located at 508 Bolton Street, shortly after 10 p.m. on February 11 following reports of smoke coming from the one-level commercial building.

According to a City of New Bedford release, arriving firefighters saw heavy fire showing in all ventilation openings along the back of the building. They entered the building and began attacking the blaze, but had to pull out when conditions worsened. The fire then spread into the attic space and burned through the roof, which caused a majority of the roof to collapse.

A total of four engines, two ladders and two command units, along with New Bedford Chief Brian Medeiros, worked the scene.

Video of the scene was provided to WBSM by Kayla Boyle:

Fire Department Moves to Defensive Operation

“The NBFD transitioned to a defensive operation in an attempt to prevent spread to neighboring buildings, including a three-story residential apartment building that was connected to the bakery on the first floor,” according to the City release. “To the east of the bakery, a three-story apartment building was located just two feet away. Firefighters were able to navigate the challenging areas and prevent the fire from spreading.”

Officials Praise Firefighters’ Quick Response to Sunrise Bakery Fire

Mayor Jon Mitchell praised the department for keeping the fire from spreading to the nearby homes while lamenting the loss of the bakery.

“Sunrise Bakery has been a neighborhood staple in the South End for decades, and while the loss is deeply felt, I am grateful no one was injured,” Mitchell said. “The NBFD did an exceptional job preventing the fire from spreading into neighbors’ homes, some of which were a few feet away.”

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“If not for the firefighters’ quick action and tactical decision-making, this fire could have easily spread to other buildings,” Medeiros said.

Residents Displaced, Cause of Sunrise Bakery Fire Under Investigation

Crews remained on the scene overnight battling hot spots. The Sunrise Bakery building sustained heavy damage, while two neighboring buildings sustained minor damage from smoke and/or heat, the City said. Four adults and two children were displaced but have since returned home. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.