SOUTHWICK — While nobody injured when a fireplace swept by way of a home on Maple Street Tuesday leaving it closely broken, the household’s pet canine perished within the flames.
“When we got the call, we thought there may been one occupant inside the home, but fortunately he got out uninjured,” mentioned Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz. He confirmed, nevertheless, that the pet died.
When firefighters arrived on the home at 8 Maple St. at about midday Tuesday, heavy hearth was exhibiting from the again of the one-and-a-half-story Cape Cod-style home, he mentioned.
It took about 40 minutes to deliver the fireplace beneath management, Stefanowicz mentioned, including no firefighters have been injured whereas battling the blaze.
The hearth, he mentioned, began on the home’s rear in a three-season room and unfold by way of the primary flooring and into the attic area.
The trigger remains to be beneath investigation by his division and the state hearth marshal’s workplace, he mentioned.
While Stefanowicz speculated the home was a complete loss, he mentioned that was a call that may be made by the home-owner’s insurance coverage firm.
According to the city’s geographic data system, in 2022 the home had an estimated worth of $262,000 and is owned by Anthony and Susan Grabowski.
Stefanowicz mentioned firefighters from Suffield, Connecticut, helped Southwick crews struggle the fireplace, as did the Lost Acres Fire Department in Granby, Connecticut. The Granville Fire Department additionally contributed firefighters and gear.
The Westfield Fire Department stood by to reply different calls in Southwick whereas city firefighters have been battling the blaze.
