CHARLTON — On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Charlton police and firefighters were dispatched to 44 Gale Road following a report of a house fire.
According to Charlton Fire Chief Rob Barton, police were the first to arrive on scene and observed smoke coming from the rear of the home.
“Charlton Engine 3 requested a second alarm while en route, bringing in additional crews and equipment from surrounding communities,” Chief Barton said in a statement. “When firefighters arrived, they observed smoke coming from the back of the home and near the roof. Oxford Fire Chief Ken Sellers arrived on scene along with Charlton Engine 3, established command, and directed incoming resources.”
After checking the entire structure, crews located heavy flames on the exterior rear portion of the residence.
Chief Barton said the homeowners attempted to extinguish the fire prior to first responder’s arrival.
“Firefighters worked from both the front and rear of the house to bring the fire under control,” Chief Barton said.
Chief Barton said a hose line was advanced to the rear of the home while a second crew entered through the front door and encountered moderate fire spread on the upper floor. He said the most significant damage was located on the exterior rear of the residence.
“Mutual aid was provided due to the area being outside the hydrant district, with tankers provided from Dudley and Oxford, and engines from Southbridge and Auburn,” Chief Barton said. “Leicester EMS responded with an ambulance, and Rehab 78 provided support for firefighter rehabilitation. The Sturbridge Fire Department covered the Charlton station during the incident.”
No injuries among civilians or firefighters were reported during the incident.
“The home sustained significant damage and is not safe to occupy at this time,” Chief Barton said.
The fire remains under investigation by the Charlton Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
