BELLINGHAM — On Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m., firefighters with the Bellingham Fire Department were dispatched to a home on Stella Road following a 911 call reporting a chimney fire with extension into the home.
According to a statement from the Bellingham Fire Department, Chief William Miller was first on scene and found heavy smoke coming from the home and fire visible through a front window.
Fire officials said companies stretched two hose lines into the home and quickly knocked down flames that spread from the chimney into a closet and the home’s living room. Crews then performed extensive overhaul to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
Damage was contained to the chimney, closet, and living room, but the home sustained smoke damage throughout and was no longer habitable, the department said.
A family of six was displaced and made arrangements to stay with relatives.
Firefighters from Mendon, Medway, Franklin, and Norfolk provided mutual aid support at the scene, while firefighters from Blackstone covered Bellingham’s stations, officials said.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental combustion of material around the chimney, according to the Bellingham Fire Department.
“Firefighters did excellent work in cold temperatures to prevent this fire from doing significantly more damage,” Chief Miller said. “I want to thank our mutual aid support.”
