Copy of police log provided to WHAV, incorrectly showing a fire report two days earlier at 10 Brickett Ave.
Editor’s note: this story has been updated to reflect a police review of an apparently erroneous log entry, suggesting a dwelling fire two days earlier.
An apparently erroneous Haverhill Police log entry created confusion Tuesday when it gave the impression police had responded to a fire Friday at the same Brickett Avenue home that was all but destroyed early Sunday morning.
Even though a police log entry seemed to record the incident, Haverhill police Chief Alan R. DeNaro said Tuesday afternoon his officers did not respond to a fire at 10 Brickett Ave., Friday. Silas Mays, whose family was burned out of the home, confirmed late Tuesday afternoon his family had not reported a fire Friday. DeNaro, meanwhile, said he cannot yet explain why the log provided to WHAV contains such an entry, but will have an answer today.
“There appears to be an anomaly in the system, or the way it was reported (by police dispatchers). We are now backtracking and trying to determine why the incorrect record shows the address,” DeNaro said. The police chief said he is contacting the department’s computer vendor as part of his review.
The situation became more confusing when a department official seemed to confirm to WHAV that nothing was found at the address by police investigating the first call on Friday. However, DeNaro said, the notation seems to have been attached to a different incident that was recorded with an identical incident number.
Haverhill fire investigators have concluded embers from a fireplace reached into walls and destroyed the home.
Haverhill Fire Chief William F. Laliberty told WHAV Tuesday a fireplace was in use Saturday night at the turn-of-the-1900s dwelling, before embers were able to get beyond the chimney and spark the blaze, reported at about 4 a.m., Sunday.
“It is believed to be a total loss due to significant fire and water damage to the second and third floors and the roof. The fire was difficult to fight in a building its age,” Laliberty said.
All occupants of the home escaped safely Sunday, Laliberty said, as fire detectors inside were working. No firefighters were injured.
An online fundraising page has been created for Silas and Danielle Mays and their 4-month old daughter Aria. As of this morning, almost $14,000 had been raised.
“In terms of our gratitude, there aren’t words to express how grateful we are,” Mays said of the outpouring of support. He added officials have not yet determined whether the home is salvageable.
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/the-mays-house-fund.
Sooo, there was a fire call and the Fire Dept was NOT notified or showed up ? Maybe one of those firemen would have been in tune with the fireplace issue and saved them their home before it burned down ??
Really? I must have missed were it said that.