Pets Lost in Countryside Rd. Fire

A home at 23 Countryside Rd. is a total loss following a smoky blaze this afternoon, Chief Michael P. Gauthier said.

Several pets were apparently lost in the blaze, the chief said. Firefighters were unable to locate them in the heavy fire conditions, he said.

The blaze caused the roof to cave in, the chief said.

Firefighters remain at the scene extinguishing the smoky blaze. Gauthier estimated the loss of the home and its contents at $350,000.

The windy conditions, fog from the melting snow and heavy smoke created a surreal scene.

The state fire marshal is on the scene, said Jennifer Mieth, spokesman for the state fire marshal’s office.

No cause has been determined yet for today’s blaze as firefighters are still extinguishing the fire, Gauthier said.

The blaze is the third fire in town in 11 days. A . on Jan. 2 and 1 Hingham Road on Jan. 5.

All three fires are being investigated by the state fire marshal. Earlier this week, the fire marshal’s office said the Jan. 2 and 5 fires are being investigated separately. A cause for each must be determined before any potential link is made, Mieth said.