Southeastern Massachusetts house destroyed by fire, three dogs deceased

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Timothy Harhen reports that the East Bridgewater Fire Department extinguished a fire early Tuesday at a home on Whitman Street.

A passerby called 911 just before 1:00 a.m. after seeing fire coming from a residence at 243 Whitman Street. Upon arrival, fire crews saw heavy fire from the left side of an attached garage that spread into the house.

Firefighters searched the property for occupants and found none. Two residents were at work when the fire started and arrived at the scene later.

At one point, firefighters turned to defensive operations after heavy fire reached into the roof, causing a partial collapse. The heavy flames were knocked down by 1:30 a.m.

Three dogs died in the fire. There were no injuries to firefighters or occupants.

The house, with an estimated value of $450,000, is a total loss.

The American Red Cross also responded to assist displaced residents.

On-scene mutual aid was provided by crews from the Bridgewater and Whitman fire departments. Station coverage was provided by the West Bridgewater Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the East Bridgewater Fire Department and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.