BRUNO MATARAZZO JR., The Salem News
The Salem News (Beverly, Massachusetts)

PEABODY -- Three firefighters were injured yesterday afternoon while battling a house fire on Ravenwood Road. None of the injuries was serious, and the three were taken to area hospitals as a precaution, Deputy Chief Paul Hinchion said.

Lt. Tom Tremblay and firefighter John Bator work on Engine 5 in South Peabody and were the first two arrive on scene at 3:15 p.m., along with firefighter Eric Smith, the pump operator.

Hinchion said Tremblay and Bator made entry into the basement, which "seemed to be burning for a while."

The basement door had been shut, so a lot of heat built up when firefighters made their entry, the deputy added.

"They took a beating and put the fire out," Hinchion said.

As the duo entered the basement, there was concern someone could still be inside the house, which by that time was filled with heavy black smoke. Firefighters arriving to the scene saw a car in the driveway but didn't know the homeowners' son had already gotten out. Additional firefighters searched the first and second floor.

After knocking down the blaze, Tremblay emerged from the house and complained of heat exhaustion, and Bator said he was having chest pains. Paramedics from Atlantic Ambulance took Tremblay to Lahey Clinic North and Bator to Salem Hospital. Tremblay was treated and released and went home for the day. Bator was still at the hospital getting more tests as of press time. Hinchion said he expects Bator to be released, as well.

Afterward, firefighter Alan Skelton said he had something in his eye and the object wouldn't come out on its own. He was taken to Salem Hospital to get the item removed. Skelton then returned.

The home at 2 Ravenwood Road, on the corner of Lynnfield Street, is owned by Bernie and Lorna Webb. Their 26-year-old son, Chris, was home and was able to get their dogs, Brady and Rascal, out of the house.

Bernie said their son yelled at the cat, Rocket, to get out of the house, and the cat complied. But the cat may have gone back inside once firefighters knocked down the blaze. There was also a hamster upstairs. The fates of the cat and hamster could not be ascertained last night.

While residents along Lynnfield Street may not personally know Bernie Webb, he visits many houses along the streets each day: Webb is a mailman and has been walking the local route for seven to eight years. He's worked for the post office for 26 years. The Webbs say they have no idea what started the blaze. Hinchion said the fire appeared to have started by the washer and dryer, but that the cause is still under investigation.

Fire Inspector Joe DiFranco said the fire is under investigation.

Copyright 2009
June 11, 2009