ASHBURNHAM — Firefighters from the Ashburnham Fire Department responded to a single-family residence at 98 South Main Street at approximately 4:31 a.m. on Nov. 20, 2025, after receiving a report of a possible structure fire caused by a knocked-over candle.
According to a statement from Ashburnham Fire Chief Chris Conrad, when crews arrived on scene, they observed heavy fire coming from the left side of the residence and flames extending from the front-left windows.
Lieutenant Mike Wilson initially worked to knock down the exterior fire before the department’s Ladder 1 truck, led by Lieutenant Bill White, arrived on scene to assist. Together, both crews quickly contained flames on the outside of the residence, but it was then determined that the fire had spread into the attic.
After multiple fire companies arrived to assist, firefighters conducted further extensive operations to extinguish the remaining fire in the attic.
The residence sustained significant fire and heat damage as a result of the incident.
Deputy Fire Chief Corey Leary commanded the scene, with assistance from the Westminster, Winchendon, Gardner, and Ashby fire departments. The Fitchburg Fire Department covered the Ashburnham Fire Headquarters while crews were at the scene.
The incident is being investigated by the District 8 Fire Investigation Unit. At this time, the fire is considered accidental, Chief Conrad said.
