At 14:31 hours on Monday May 9, 2016 a call was received at the fire station reporting fire alarms sounding and smoke coming from a house on River St near Lincoln St. The fire chief arrived on the scene seconds later, confirmed a working fire at 17 River St, and immediately called for a second alarm. Entry was made into the building. A water supply was established using a hydrant across the street. Heavy fire was found and knocked down on the second floor. Fire was also encountered and extinguished on the first floor. The roof was vented to alleviate smoke and heat conditions for the companies operating inside. Extensive overhaul was required to find and extinguish fire that had extended into the walls and floor joists.. Nobody was injured. The Red Cross was called to assist the residents. The fire department and the state fire marshal’s office are investigating the cause. Thirteen firefighters staffing Engines 1, 2, 3, and the ambulance along with mutual aid apparatus from North, East, West, Sturbridge, Warren, and Spencer were on the scene. All units were clear of the scene by 18:00 hours.
Shortly after this fire was reported, the dispatch center received a fire alarm from a residence on Fiskdale Rd. Engine One from Sturbridge responded to that alarm. No fire was found there.