Some of Haverhill’s newest firefighters put their training to work Tuesday afternoon, quickly containing a home fire on Hilldale Avenue.
Haverhill Fire Chief Christopher Cesati told WHAV firefighters were dispatched Tuesday at 3:23 p.m. to what was first reported as a basement fire the bungalow-style house at 715 Hilldale Ave. Engine 1 out of High Street was first on the scene and discovered “heavy fire” on the first floor of the home and breaking into the attic. The chief said firefighters made an “aggressive attack” and also put a ladder company on the roof.
“With our department being younger with all of the hires we’ve had over the past few years, this fire was an opportunity for a lot of these newer guys to have their first chance at an interior attack and they all performed very well,” Ceasti said.
The chief said the single-alarm fire calls for all city apparatus—two ladders, four engines and a heavy rescue. Mutual aid from surrounding communities provided station coverage.
The department also put one of its two new drones into service during the operation. Cesati said the larger one proved its value, saving on time, water and further damage to the property. “It was able to assist with finding the final hot spots for extinguishment,” he said.
No one was home when the fire broke out and firefighters worked about 90 minutes before the blaze was declared extinguished. The chief said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
City records show the property is owned by John and Veronica Epp Wronka.
While High Street Fire Station was recently equipped with a new truck, Cesati noted, it was out receiving its first warranty work, but the station’s former truck remained in service.