GLOUCESTER — On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at approximately 3:23 p.m., the Gloucester Fire Department was dispatched to the two-family home located at 531 Essex Avenue following reports of a fire in one of the units.
According to Gloucester’s Fire Chief Eric Smith, when crews arrived on scene, they observed heavy smoke and flame coming from the residence.
“The first arriving crews from Group 3 made a quick, aggressive attack and knocked the fire down by 3:36 p.m.,” Chief Smith said in a statement.
The sole occupant of the unit was inside the home at the time of the fire and was treated at the scene by Gloucester Fire Department and Beauport Ambulance personnel. The resident’s cat was killed in the blaze.
The home sustained significant fire and water damage. The resident is receiving assistance from The Red Cross of Massachusetts.
“Crews did an outstanding job maintaining a quick and effective response to extinguish the fire while also tending to the victim,” said Chief Smith. “Our quick response allowed us to keep this to a working fire as the first arriving crews were able to stretch a hose line within five minutes of arrival.”
The Gloucester Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.
