Postal carrier alerts Canton Fire Dept. to Messinger St. fire

Firefighters were able to rescue a dog and contain damage from a house fire at 36 Messinger Street that broke out in the afternoon on Thursday, December 26.

Fire Chief Charles Doody said the fire was discovered by Peter O’Keefe, a USPS letter carrier, who was out delivering mail on his usual route when he heard the smoke detectors going off inside the home and smelled smoke. O’Keefe quickly notified a neighbor, who called 911. Upon arrival, Captain Ed Freitas found heavy smoke in the house due to a fire in the kitchen.

Fire crews advanced a hose line through the front door and extinguished the fire. Doody said O’Keefe’s quick action led to an immediate response and allowed crews to contain the fire to the kitchen.

Doody said no one was home at the time but one of the homeowners arrived shortly after firefighters arrived and notified Freitas that the family dog was still inside. Firefighters Lyle Chandler and Chuck Sudhalter conducted a search of the home and found the dog hiding in the bathroom. The dog was taken to the veterinarian by his owner and found to be healthy. Chandler suffered a small bite on his hand but remained on duty and Doody said he is fine.

Damage is estimated at $75,000 to $100,000 and includes significant damage to the kitchen area and smoke damage throughout the home.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation but it appears to be accidental. Norwood firefighters assisted at the scene and Stoughton firefighters provided station coverage.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Jan 3 2020. Filed under Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.