Photo By Scott LaPrade

On Jan. 23, a fire ignited in a two-story home in Ashburnham, Mass. A police officer was the first to arrive on scene, and he radioed that the house was well involved. Firefighters arrived five minutes later, and the fire was already through the roof.

The house is located on a steep hill, and with the snow-covered streets, it was difficult to access the fire. Only the first engine/tanker made it up the driveway. The nearest hydrant was two miles away, so firefighters had to relay pump from the bottom of the hill (600 feet) up to the engine.

The home, which was valued at nearly $600,000, was a total loss. The fire is believed to have been caused by a woodstove in the basement. The Westminster, Ashby and Hubbardston fire departments provided mutual aid.

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