West Newbury Family Safe, Firefighter Receives Injuries After Basement Fire New Year’s Day

Firefighters from West Newbury and neighboring communities battled a fire on Archelaus Hill Road Wednesday, Jan. 1. (Photograph courtesy of Michael Kent.)

A West Newbury family of four and its dog escaped injury New Year’s Day when a fire broke out in the home’s basement, but a firefighter received minor injuries.

West Newbury firefighters, responding to a 911 call, arrived at 11 Archelaus Hill Road just before 6:30 p.m. and had the blaze knocked down within a half hour, according to Fire Chief Michael Dwyer.

“We were able to get this fire under control thanks to an aggressive attack by initial crews on scene and quick activation of mutual aid,” Dwyer said. “We received assistance through multiple tanker trucks, and through cooperation between departments the fire was extinguished in a timely manner.”

A West Newbury firefighter was taken to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport and treated for minor injuries and released.

There was extensive damage to the home’s basement.

Crews from Newburyport, including Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire; Groveland, including Assistant Fire Chief Kurt Ruchala; Amesbury, including Assistant Fire Chief David Mather; Newbury; Groveland; and Georgetown provided assistance on scene.  The Newbury and Georgetown fire departments provided station coverage during the incident and Atlantic Ambulance Service provided assistance on scene and coverage for the town.

West Newbury Police and DPW crews also responded and provided assistance directing traffic on Archelaus Hill Road and ensuring safe road conditions for fire crews.

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