NORTH READING — On Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 11:32 p.m., the North Reading Fire Department was dispatched to 22 Wright Street following a report of a house fire, with flames spreading to the roof.
According to North Reading Fire Chief Don Stats, North Reading Engine 3, staffed by Captain Sean O’Brien and Firefighters Chris Hadley and Matthew Enos, and Engine 1, staffed by Lieutenant Jim Casaletto and Firefighters Carisma Michel and Chris McCann, arrived on scene within one minute of the initial call.
Crews found heavy fire showing from the rear of the two-story, single-family residence and struck a second alarm to bring additional personnel and resources to the scene.
Chief Stats said Engine 3’s crew stretched a hose line to the rear of the home to begin fighting the fire, while Engine 1’s crew searched the home for occupants.
No one was found inside the residence.
“Crews were able to get in contact with a family member of the homeowner, who confirmed that the family was away and the home was unoccupied,” Chief Stats said. Adding, “While the fire did not extend into the interior of the first and second floors, it had extended into the attic space through the home’s exterior structures. “
Crews were able to knock down the fire and prevent it from spreading farther into the interior.
No injuries were reported. Chief Stats said the home sustained significant damage and will require substantial rehabilitation work.
The Middleton, Wilmington, Lynnfield, Reading and Wakefield fire departments provided mutual aid at the scene, along with Armstrong Ambulance and Rehab 5. Tewksbury and Andover firefighters covered the North Reading fire station during the response.
The fire remains under investigation by the North Reading Fire Department and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“I would like to recognize the effort of all crews in fighting this fire,” Chief Stats said. “Our first arriving companies did an excellent job knocking down the fire and preventing it from further spreading into the home.”
Chief Stats said North Reading’s recent staffing increase allowed multiple companies to respond on the initial alarm and perform several tasks immediately.
“North Reading’s recent increase in staffing allowed for multiple companies to be dispatched on the initial alarm and perform multiple tasks immediately, leading to a better outcome,” Chief Stats said.
