Six Fall River Families Displaced in Fire

FALL RIVER — No injuries were reported in a large fire in Fall River early this morning that has left six families displaced.

Fall River Fire Department Deputy Chief Roger St. Martin said that fire crews were called out to 84 Boutwell St. just after 1 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a house fire.

The response included three fire engines, two ladder trucks, a heavy rescue vehicle, and the chief's truck along with ambulances and emergency medical services, St. Martin said.

Crews arrived to find the left side of the house engulfed in visible flames that appeared to be spreading to a neighboring home just 10-12 feet away.

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But firefighters were able to save the house next door, getting the blaze under control within the hour and putting out the fire by around 2:30 a.m.

St. Martin said the families had all evacuated the building with no reported injuries.

But the six families living in the residential building — including 11 adults and five children — are all displaced.

Two young children were taken to Charlton Memorial Hospital for observation as a precaution against possible smoke inhalation.

The residents' two pet cats are also believed to have perished in the fire, St. Martin said.

No damage was visible on the neighboring house.

St. Martin said that the families were able to evacuate safely due to the building's smoke alarms notifying them of danger.

"Please check and update your smoke alarms and your batteries," he said as a message to all residents. "Smoke detectors are only good for ten years — a lot of people don't know that."

Batteries should be replaced at least every year, he added.