Fall River Fire Department issues update concerning 3-alarm fire that destroyed home as online fundraiser created

The Fall River Fire Department extinguished a 3-alarm fire Monday that destroyed a residence.

According to Captain Eric Caffrey, at 11:10 p.m., the Fall River Fire Department responded to
reports of a structure fire at 243 Montaup Street following multiple emergency calls. Initial
responding units included Car 3, Engine 2, Engine 4, Engine 5, Ladder 2, Ladder 4, and
Heavy Rescue 1.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a significant amount of fire emanating from the
first-floor windows at the front of the two-family, wood-frame house. The fire had spread to
the attic, causing exterior fire impingement. The fire had intensified prior to the arrival of
responding crews, who immediately began suppression efforts.

The fire was declared under control and fully extinguished at approximately 2:38 a.m.
However, heavy smoke conditions persisted within the building. Car 2 was designated as the
Incident Safety Officer following confirmation of the fire’s suppression. Additional resources
were mobilized, including two command vehicles, five engines, three ladder trucks, and
Heavy Rescue 1. Personnel from the Fall River Police Department, Fall River Emergency
Medical Services, and Fall River Special Service Emergency Management also responded to
assist.

The fire originated on the front enclosed porch, but the exact cause remains under
investigation by the Fall River Fire Department.

Two families, comprising three adults and two children, have been displaced by the
fire. The American Red Cross has been notified to assist with temporary housing and other
needs.

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Maria and Joao Cordeiro, lost everything in the blaze.

“The house they worked so hard for since they moved here 35 years ago is a total loss along with everything in it. Pray for them as they go through this devastating loss right before the holidays. We all lost priceless family heirlooms, treasures, and memories that we shared in our childhood home that we can never get back. These are only belongings though, and we thank God that our grandparents made it out safe. But our grandparents lost everything they worked their entire lives for and have to start over new in their later years. Anybody who knows our grandparents knows how amazing and selfless they are. They are the glue that holds us together, and it’s truly devastating that this happened to them. They lost priceless possessions but also all their clothes and everything they have ever owned to this fire.”