PAXTON — On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Paxton Fire Department crews, including Engine 3 and the department’s command vehicle, Car 1, responded to 5 Brigham Road after contractors working at the home called 911 to report heavy black smoke filling the residence.
According to a statement from Paxton’s Fire Chief Michael Pingitore, crews arrived on scene within four minutes of the 911 call.
“Upon conducting a 360-degree assessment, the command determined that the fire was located in the basement of the 3,900-square-foot home, which had recently been sold and was unoccupied at the time,” Chief Pingitore said. “Due to the size of the property and its location outside of the hydrant district, a second alarm was struck. Paxton firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack and quickly knocked down the fire. Mutual aid companies assisted with checking for hot spots and ventilating smoke from the residence.”
Chief Pingitore said the fire burned through a portion of the first floor of the residence, causing significant damage to the living room area.
“While damage was limited to that section, there is extensive smoke damage throughout the residence,” Chief Pingitore added.
“The cause of the fire is believed to be related to renovation work being performed in the home and remains under investigation by the Paxton Fire Department and the Massachusetts Fire District 8 Fire Investigation Unit,” Chief Pingitore said.
Mutual aid was provided by the fire departments from Holden, Rutland, Leicester, Spencer, Barre, Princeton, Oakham, Oxford, Sterling, West Boylston, and Worcester.
No injuries were reported and no one was displaced by the fire.