North Attleboro, Plainville, Attleboro, Mansfield, Cumberland Fire Departments battle overnight fire at residence with electric vehicles

Fire Chief Christopher Coleman reports that the North Attleboro Fire Department responded to two back-to-back fires overnight.  

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, the department received several 911 calls reporting a garage fire at 49 John C. Porter Way, located off Route 120 near the Rhode Island line. 

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-car garage attached to a two-story colonial home heavily involved in flames. Two electric vehicles were in the garage at the time, and solar panels on the roof complicated the firefighting efforts. 

The North Attleboro Fire Department struck a second alarm, calling in mutual aid from the Plainville, Attleboro, Mansfield and Cumberland, Rhode Island, fire departments. Providence Canteen and Mansfield Emergency Management Agency also responded to the scene to provide rehab. The Wrentham, Norton and Pawtucket fire departments provided station coverage.  

While the fire spread into a portion of the home, firefighters worked quickly to prevent it from fully engulfing the structure. Firefighters assessed one occupant for smoke inhalation but did not transport any residents for further medical care. The fire was cleared by approximately 5:30 a.m. 

The two cars are considered total losses, and the house has been deemed unhabitable. The residents are being assisted by neighbors and the American Red Cross. 

As crews cleared the scene at 49 John C. Porter Way, the North Attleboro Fire Department received another 911 call at approximately 6:00 a.m. reporting a vehicle fire at the Hockomock Area YMCA building, 300 Elmwood St. Upon arrival, first responders found a minivan fully engulfed in magnesium-fueled flames. 

Firefighters operated multiple hose lines, including a foam line, to extinguish the fire. The car has been deemed a total loss, but no injuries were reported. Firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the YMCA building, although the heat and smoke discolored the building’s siding. 

“I want to commend our firefighters and mutual aid partners for their outstanding efforts in extinguishing these two fires,” Chief Coleman said. “Each fire presented challenges, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and magnesium fuel, but our firefighters remained undeterred, working effectively and efficiently to bring the situation under control and prevent further damage.” 

The cause of the fires does not appear suspicious; however, the fires remain under investigation by the North Attleborough Fire Department, North Attleborough Police Department, and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.