MONSON, MA – On May 19 at 4:38 P.M., Monson Fire and Police were dispatched by Westcomm Regional Dispatch to 433 Lower Hampden Road for the report of a structure fire. En route, dispatch updated responding units that there was a person with burn injuries and the possibility of additional occupants still inside the building. Chief Harris transmitted a second alarm and requested multiple ambulances to the scene.

Monson Police arrived first and located an occupant with third-degree burns covering more than 40 percent of their body near the burning building. Officers dragged the victim to safety.

Chief Harris arrived on scene, established command, and reported a large three-story building with heavy fire conditions on Side B. The fire involved two 120-gallon propane tanks that were venting and burning, with fire extending into Division 2. During the initial 360-degree size-up, command discovered another injured occupant in a first-floor apartment searching for animals. That individual was removed from the building and escorted to a safe location.

The first-arriving engine, staffed by only two personnel, knocked down much of the exterior fire while mutual aid companies arriving shortly afterward were assigned search operations and establishing a water supply from a pond on the property and a nearby stream located several hundred feet from the fire scene. Additional resources were assigned to fire attack and RIC as they arrived.

Due to rapid fire spread throughout the 1800s-era building, interior crews were eventually withdrawn, and a ladder pipe was placed into operation to bring the fire under control. Once conditions improved, crews re-entered the structure to conduct overhaul operations and extinguish remaining hot spots.

In total, two occupants were transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and two firefighters were transported for heat-related injuries. At the time of the fire, temperatures were approximately 95 degrees. Rehab services were provided by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and Rehab 78 out of Charlton, Massachusetts.

The fire ultimately escalated to five alarms, with more than 50 firefighters operating on scene at the height of the incident.