HANSON — No injuries were reported after a fire caused extensive damage to a house at 95 Union Park St., Friday, May 28. Residents were being assisted by The Red Cross, according to Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr.
As a precaution, neighbor JP Smith temporary self-evacuated from his home after police warned him of the flames directed close to his house. He retrieved his dog and kept away from the intense flames. The two homes are located on tight lots in the Monponsett section of Hanson.
Smith was later seen picking debris up in the back yard of his own home. He said he was glad everyone was OK.
From Smith’s side yard the damage could be seen from the house fire including a porch collapse off the dwelling as well as a missing wall were the residents could be seen inside assessing the damage after the fire was extinguished. The blackened siding of the home was visibly melted.
First responders were spread thin, as they were dealing with multiple calls within the community and were only able to respond with two available firefighters, according to Chief Thompson.
The department received assistance at the scene and coverage of their fire station from the towns of Pembroke, Halifax Hanover and Whitman.
Damage caused by the fire was extensive to the exterior of the house with moderate fire, smoke and water damage throughout the interior, according to a written statement from Chief Thompson.
Estimated damage is approximately $250,000. The five adult occupants were displaced and the home uninhabitable.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Hanson Fire and Police as well as the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.