Wellfleet Historical Society Dodges Disaster After Fire

WELLFLEET, MA — The Wellfleet Historical Society and Museum avoided would could have been a disaster after a fire broke out at the Main Street location.

At 2:37 p.m. Friday, a fire was reported outside the Wellfleet Historic Society in Wellfleet. Initially observed as an exterior fire, it quickly spread and began catching the building on fire, Wellfleet Fire Department officials said.

The first arriving unit found an exterior fire burning into the structure. The building was unoccupied at the time, and firefighters extinguished the flames, preventing further damage.

Engines from Eastham and Truro also responded as part of the first alarm assignment. Wellfleet firefighters searched the building and opened a section of the exterior wall to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

No injuries have been reported.

The Wellfleet Fire Department is investigating the incident, but it is believed to be accidental in nature.

On Saturday, museum officials took to social media to praise the department and thank the people from Wellfleet Shellfish Co., who reported the fire.

Museum officials said the fire is believed to be caused by "old electrical wiring long-thought to be dead."

"The fire at the museum on March 14 could have been devastating," officials said.

"We shudder to think how much of Wellfleet’s history would have been lost had things gone differently."