Fire Incidents, May 30 - June 8

Fire incidents by the numbers, May 30 – June 8

Lightning strikes, no fire: 11

Smoke detector activations, no fire: 6

Failed smoke or carbon monoxide detector inspections: 5

Alarm malfunctions: 4

Building fires: 2

Brush or trash fires: 2

Gas leaks: 2

Power lines down: 2

Unauthorized burning: 1

Fire incidents

A basement fire was reported on John Poulter Road Monday, June 7 at 8 a.m. Firefighters found smoke coming from the basement and extending through the house.  A second alarm was sounded, and Lexington firefighters were aided by the Waltham, Arlington, Concord, Bedford and Hanscom Air Force Base departments. The fire was knocked down in about 50 minutes, and Fire Chief William Middlemiss said it caused about $250,000 in damages and the house is not habitable. No injuries were reported.

A small dryer fire was reported on Eastern Avenue Saturday, June 5 at 3:07 a.m. Firefighters put it out with an extinguisher and checked the attic, second floor, basement and outside panel.

A lightning strike was reported on Bloomfield Street Saturday, June 5 at 3:44 a.m. Lightning struck the roof of the house, stripping shingles and siding. Firefighters checked the inside of the house, and used a ladder to check the roof and cover a hole with a tarp. No fire was found.

A lightning strike was reported on Prospect Hill Road on Tuesday, June 1 at 2:42 p.m. Two trees in the yard appeared to be hit by lightning, and an alarm system was activated. A plug in the second-floor bathroom had popped, and was reset. No other problems were found.

A brush fire was reported on Douglas Road on Sunday, May 30 at 4:58 p.m. A neighbor reported seeing fire in the backyard. Firefighters found a wooden fence burning, and extinguished the fire. The fire is believed to have started after burned firewood was dumped next to the fence and ignited leaves on the ground and spread to the fence. The owner, who was not home, later told fire officials he had dumped ashes from a fire pit there believing the ashes were cold.