Fall River Fire Department extinguishes weekend blaze above city business

The Fall River Fire Department quickly knocked down a fire early Saturday morning.

A call came into dispatch just before 4:45 a.m., for a private alarm at 971 Rodman Street where housing is above Peter’s Package Store.

Upon arrival, crews found smoke inside of the building which led to a fire in the attic.

The Fire Investigator, Building Inspector, and utilities were called to the scene.

The fire was out just before 5:30 a.m.

Fall River Reporter contacted Peter’s Package Store and they are still open for business today.

In related news, according to the Firefighter Union, “as of today, Ladder 2, serving the South End, is out of service due to mechanical issues. To maintain emergency coverage, crews are operating in a reserve ladder truck borrowed from New Bedford.

“At the same time, Ladder 4, serving the Flint area, continues to respond in a reserve apparatus with a non-operational aerial device. The aerial is one of the most critical tools on a ladder company, allowing firefighters to quickly access upper floors, rooftops, perform rescues, and remove victims safely. Without it, crews must rely solely on ground ladders—a process that requires more personnel, more time, and can delay critical operations when every second counts.

“Our fleet maintenance personnel have even come in on their days off to work on these trucks, and we appreciate the dedication and effort they continue to put in to keep our apparatus on the road.

“Today’s situation is another reminder of the challenges that come with operating an aging apparatus fleet. Fall River Firefighters will continue answering every call for service, but reliable apparatus are essential to firefighter safety, effective rescue operations, and protecting the residents of our city.”

A new Ladder 4 has already been ordered, but it is still several months away from arriving.