NEWBURYPORT — An early morning structure fire at a group home in Newburyport was quickly brought under control thanks to the swift actions of local police and firefighters.
According to a joint statement from Newburyport Police Lieutenant Matt Simons and Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury III, at around 3:37 a.m. on Monday, September 16, Newburyport Police Sergeant Megan Tierney spotted flames near the front porch of a group home at 25 Spofford Street.
Sgt. Tierney immediately alerted the Newburyport Fire Department, called for police backup, and began evacuating the building’s residents — four patients and two caretakers. Sgt. Tierney was assisted on scene by Officers James Degloria, Carley Siemasko, and Charles Ferlauto, who responded as backup.
When Newburyport fire crews arrived at the scene, all residents had already evacuated the building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the heavy flames visible on the exterior of the home and porch, successfully preventing the fire from spreading inside the residence and containing the damage to the outside of the structure.
Cataldo Ambulance personnel assessed the residents for injuries, and no injuries were reported.
The group home’s residents will be temporarily displaced and have been transferred to other facilities managed by Turning Point, Inc., the organization that runs the group home. According to the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Turning Point, Inc., is a non-profit organization “committed to providing exceptional services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Firefighters from Salisbury assisted at the scene, while crews from Rowley, Amesbury, and Newbury covered Newburyport stations during the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Newburyport Fire Department, Newburyport Police, and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“This could have been a tragic incident if not for the awareness and quick action of Sgt. Tierney,” Fire Chief Bradbury in a statement. “We are very grateful that no one was hurt in this fire.”
Police Lt. Matt Simons commended the coordinated response, noting, “The awareness, astute observations, and quick communication were paramount in a successful and coordinated response to a critical incident that could have had a much more tragic outcome. The quick actions and bravery by Sgt. Tierney and the other responding officers undoubtedly saved lives. I’m proud of the professionalism and valor that was shown by our officers early this morning.”
