EAST BRIDGEWATER, MASSACHUSETTS (PLYMOUTH COUNTY) - At 1212 hours on the afternoon of Sunday, February 4, 2024 the East Bridgewater Fire Department received several 9-1-1 calls reporting a house fire in the area of 118 N Bedford Street. Companies arrived to find a well involved 2-story, L-shaped dwelling and a working fire was immediately requested. The address was updated to be 53 Old Bedford Road. Firefighters found that two occupants and a dog were able to escape the blaze through a first floor window. The closest hydrant was found to be dead, and another hydrant was grabbed by the mutual aid engine from West Bridgewater. As companies dealt with water supply issues, a second alarm was requested. Fire consumed the entire building, as firefighters stretched multiple hand lines, and set up Brockton Ladder-4's ladder pipe. Shortly after Ladder-4's ladder pipe was put into operation, the second floor and attic collapsed into the building. Several cars located in the driveway were also fully involved during the fire. Mutual aid companies from Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, Hanson, West Bridgewater and Whitman worked on-scene, while a Halifax engine covered the East Bridgewater Fire Headquarters. The building was deemed a total loss, and four people that were displaced were assisted by the American Red Cross. Unfortunately, four cats were unable to escape the blaze. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the East Bridgewater Fire Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
