NEWBURY — On Friday, March 13, 2026, at approximately 12:58 a.m., firefighters with the Newbury Fire Department were dispatched to 49 Fruit Street following reports of a house fire.
According to Newbury Fire Chief David Evans, when firefighters arrived on scene, they found the home completely engulfed in flames and immediately struck a second alarm to bring additional personnel to the scene.
Four residents were inside the home at the time of the fire but were able to exit safely before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported among residents or first responders.
Firefighters worked throughout the morning to extinguish the blaze, which spread to several vehicles and gas grills on the property. The home was ultimately deemed a total loss.
The occupants received assistance and secured temporary lodging following the fire, Chief Evans said.
Fire crews remained on scene conducting overhaul operations, including monitoring for and extinguishing remaining hotspots. Firefighters also searched the scene for a dog and a cat that were believed to have been inside the home at the time of the fire. Chief Evans said it is believed the pets were unable to escape.
Mutual aid was provided by the Newburyport, Salisbury, Amesbury, West Newbury, Georgetown, Boxford and Rowley fire departments. The Ipswich Fire Department and Atlantic Ambulance covered the town during the response and handled two medical calls and a third call for a fire alarm activation.
Newbury police and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, both of which responded to the scene, are presently assisting the Newbury Fire Department in determining the origin and cause of the fire, Chief Evans said.
