Photo Credit: Millis Fire Department
MILLIS — On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Millis Public Safety Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a structure fire at the Deerfield Tree Farm, a Christmas tree farm located at 25 Birch Street, which includes a residence on a 9.2 acre lot.
According to the Millis Fire Department, crews arrived to find the 2,500-square-foot residence on the property well involved, with the fire being fueled by high winds and several propane tanks.
The fire — which spread to two smaller structures on the property and approximately three to four acres of woods — quickly escalated to three alarms.
Photo Credit: Millis Fire Department
The resident was able to get out of the home with their dog safely, according to the Millis Fire Department.
The Milford Daily News reported that, according to the town assessor’s database, the home is owned by Gregory and Julie Dowd and was last assessed at $868,100.
The newspaper also reported that a previous home at 25 Birch Street was destroyed by fire in February 2007, about six months after the Dowds moved in.
The fire remains under investigation by the Millis Fire Department, Millis Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Mutual aid was provided by the Norfolk, Medway, Medfield, Sherborn, Westwood, Walpole, Wrentham, Franklin, Bellingham, Dover and Holliston fire departments, along with Charlton Rehab.