4-Alarm Fire Devastates 19th Century Concord Mansion

CONCORD, MA — A four-alarm fire Friday devastated an almost $3 million home in Concord. The mansion, which dates back to 1899, is a total loss. According to historical records, the home was built for Charles Francis Adams III, great-grandson of President John Quincy Adams.

Flames tore through the five-bedroom home for over three hours. Plumes of smoke billowed into the air. By the time most of the hot spots in the home were extinguished, the portico had collapsed and the roof was completely knocked out.

Two people were home at the time but escaped safely, and no firefighters were injured, according to WHDH.

One problem for firefighters battling the blaze was the lack of a water source, since there are no hydrants in that part of the historic Boston suburb. Crews used water tankers to douse the flames. Companies from Lexington and Bedford assisted.

The Concord Fire Chief told reporters it appeared a caretaker found the blaze and called the fire department.

The single-family home was originally built in 1899 but was recently updated, according to realtor.com. The home sits on a 12.81-acre lot and is over 6,500 square feet. The town appraised the home at $2,915,800 for 2020 and was sold to the current owner in 1991, according to town records.

The mansion was one of the first large country estates not associated with farming in the town. The Adams' family called the home "Mount Vernon."

Concord safety officials said there could be discolored water for area residents.