OAKHAM, MA- On October 7, 2008 firefighters were called to the scene of a structural fire on Ware Corner Road. Oakham is a small rural town west of Worcester. Oakham and surrounding towns are mostly made up of call firefighters. The fire struck around 2:00 p.m., which is difficult for these small call departments since most of their members are working their full time jobs.

Responding Oakham units reported a working fire in the old cape cod style house. The house reported to have been built in the late 1800's had been added onto. On arrival incident commanders called for mutual aid immediately. There were no hydrants so tankers had to be called in for a tanker shuttle.

The incident commander made the decision to evacuate the building and regroup for an exterior attack as soon as all mutual aid was in place. Numerous towns were called in for mutual aid.