02/25/2013 - Just before noon time Whitman Fire/Rescue and Emergency Services received a 9-1-1 call reporting a basement fire at 33 Dewey Avenue, off of Washington Street. Whitman's Box-55 was struck and Engine-2, Ladder-1, Car-3 and Car-4 responded to the scene on the initial alarm of fire. Car-3 signed off with nothing showing from a two story wood framed occupied dwelling, but found a smoke condition in the house. Lieutenant Robert Hover requested a dry chemical extinguisher to the basement upon Engine-2's arrival. The fire was quickly knocked down with the dry chemical extinguisher. Whitman Engine-1 also responded to the scene with off-duty personnel. The occupant of the house who was in the basement at the time of the fire needed medical attention following the fire. A mutual aid ambulance from the Town of Abington was requested to respond. Abington Ambulance-3 transported the injured person to the Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, and they were then transferred to a Boston hospital for further treatment and care. Crews utilized a thermal image camera to check for extension. Slight extension was discovered above the fire on the first floor. Companies used electric fans to ventilate the house which was heavily charged with smoke. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Plymouth County Sheriff's Department BCI Unit was requested for photographs and National Grid's gas division was requested to shut the gas service off at the home.
