Stoneham Fire Department Extinguishes 3-Alarm Fire

A release from the Stoneham Fire Department:

STONEHAM, Ma. - The Stoneham Fire Department extinguished a 3-alarm fire in a barn and home late Saturday night according to Chief Matthew Grafton. One horse died as a result of the fire. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries due to the extreme heat.

At approximately 9:24 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 20 Emery Court after receiving several 911 calls about a large fire on the property. Upon arrival, firefighters located a barn that had heavy fire and smoke showing.

The barn was fully engulfed and due to the heavy volume of flames and intense heat, the fire spread to the eves of the nearby house and into the attic of the home.

Due to the property's isolated location on a narrow dirt road, the responding companies had limited access to fire hydrants.

A second alarm was requested on arrival and a third alarm was requested later to provide relief. Members of the Winchester, Wakefield, Woburn, Melrose, Burlington, Medford, Malden, Reading and Saugus fire departments responded to the scene to assist. The Medford, Malden and North Reading fire departments responded to provide station coverage. Chief Grafton would also like to thank the Stoneham Police Department, Stoneham Public Works and the Boston Sparks Association for their assistance at the scene.

As the fire continued to burn, the roof collapsed on the house. It took firefighters approximately four hours to fully extinguish the flames.

The family was not home at the time of the fire. Three horses and several vehicles were kept inside the barn.

Both structures appear to be a total loss with damages estimated to be $700,000-$800,000. The family was displaced and was assisted by a family member.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.

The last firefighters left the scene at approximately 3 a.m. Sunday.