SHREWSBURY — Chief James Vuona reports that the Shrewsbury Fire Department responded to two fires in town that occurred less than an hour apart this morning.
At 9:54 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to the area of Memorial Drive between Gold Street and Hyde Farm Road for a report of a dump truck fire. Upon arrival, crews encountered a 10-wheel dump truck with a fire burning inside the cab of the vehicle.
Firefighters immediately initiated an attack and quickly extinguished the fire. An on-scene investigation indicated that the the fire was electrical in nature and originated underneath the vehicle’s dashboard. There were no injuries.
Then, at 10:41 a.m., firefighters were dispatched to 37 Westwood Drive for a report of a building fire. While en route, dispatchers informed first responders that everyone had safely exited the home. Upon arrival, firefighters investigated the area and observed smoke showing from two vents on the home’s roof.
Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations was requested to the scene to cut power to the home, and firefighters subsequently extinguished a small fire inside the attic insulation. The fire and smoke remained isolated to the home’s attic. A Northborough firefighter who is a certified fire investigator was on scene and, along with Chief Vuona, quickly determined that the fire was electrical in nature.
The residents were able to return to the home once firefighters cleared the scene.
“Today’s responses show just how unpredictable firefighting can be on any given day,” Chief Vuona said. “I want to commend all of our firefighters for their prompt and efficient responses to both of these fires despite such a short window of time in between incidents.”
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