Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 18, 2025 Firefighters knock down two-alarm blaze that damages Acadia Avenue home By Mark E. Vogler A n early evening twoalarm fire last Thursday (April 10) caused extensive damage to a home on Baker Hill. But Saugus Fire Captain William E. Cross III hailed the response by firefighters of Groups 1 “a great stop.” “And great job by Engine 1 getting first water on the fire,” Captain Cross said in a post on the Saugus Firefighters Local 1003 Facebook page. “Having your neighborhood fire house [Essex Street Station] fully staffed is so important. If this is on the west side HOME ABLAZE: Flames roared from the porch of an Acadia Avenue home last Thursday night. (Courtesy Photo of Saugus Firefighters Local 1003) that fire will more than double in size every 30 seconds that water is not applied,” Cross said. Dan - 1972 Celebrating 52 Years! When in need, call ABC! EXTINGUISHED: Saugus firefighters put the finishing touches of water to put out the house fire on Baker Hill last Thursday night. (Courtesy Photo of Saugus Firefighters Local 1003) “Think about the life safety and property implications on that scenario. The 3rd station is long overdue and STAFFING MATTERS!!” There were a few obstacles Chris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 HANDMADE CIGARS! Four-Year-Old Tobacco * 100% Long Filler * Cellophane $49.95 HOURS: OPEN DAILY Monday thru Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! SPECIAL SALE! TRAVEL HUMIDORS & ALL BONGS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 ■ Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. ■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 www.veterancardonations.org/dnt122 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011. --------HUMIDORS ON SALE! STARTING AT $99. COMPLETE! --------that Engine 1 and Group 1 had to overcome in extinguishing last Thursday night’s fire, one of them being a steep hill to move fire apparatus around to get at the raging flames. Firefighters had to use ground ladders because they couldn’t get the aerial ladder truck up the hill. Explosions were also overheard in the vicinity, which fire officials later theorized were a propane tank that exploded. Officials also had to contend with a disoriented resident who was worried about his dogs who was eventually led out of the house in handcuffs. “The homeowner was handcuffed as a protective measure, he was not placed under arrest,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli told The Saugus Advocate. “ There are no criminal charges pending in this case,” the chief said. Fire broke out at about 6:40 p.m. on the porch of the Acadia Avenue house. Two Saugus police officers, a Saugus firefighter and a resident of the house were treated for minor injuries. Several pets were rescued from the house. One of them bit a firefighter. “A loud house shaking explosion and a series of smaller explosions were felt around 6:45 p.m. on Baker Hill in Saugus,” Carl Surabian said. “A house fire ensued,” he said. Jake Wark, a spokesman for the State Fire Marshal’s Office, said investigators believe the fire was accidental. “It’s still officially undetermined but does not appear suspicious,” Wark said in a statement to The Saugus Advocate. FIREFIGHTERS | SEE PAGE 17 Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today!
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