On October 23, 2025, at approximately 5:55 A.M, this department received a call for a commercial fire alarm activation at the listed address. Engine 2, Ladder 1, and Engine 4 responded. Upon arrival, the building was being evacuated, and a separate 911 caller reported smoke in the hallway. Witnesses report that an apartment on the second floor had a fire in the bathroom that had been extinguished by the occupant, who was still inside.
A moderate smoke condition was encountered inside the hallways, and a substantial amount of smoke was inside the involved apartment. The occupant inside was attempting to ventilate on their own and was evacuated. The remaining smoldering material was extinguished, and a thermal imaging camera was utilized to ensure there was no fire spread. Positive-pressure fans mitigated smoke conditions on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
The fire was contained to the bathroom with damage to the wall, electrical wiring in the exhaust fan, and overhead lighting. No residents were displaced. The Town Electrical Inspector and property maintenance personnel were requested to the scene. One occupant was assessed by FF/Paramedics for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental when an exposed lit candle was placed in a small wooden decorative box and left unattended. The flame spread through the wood and to other nearby combustible material. It was noted that the battery-operated smoke alarm inside the apartment was not functioning due to the previous removal of batteries.
At this time, we would like to take this opportunity to remind our community to practice fire-safe behaviors. Please evacuate and remain outside, take this time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, and please refrain from leaving candles unattended, only using them in non-combustible candle holders.
Maggie Rocha
Public Information Officer
Public Education Coordinator
mrocha@fairhaven-ma.gov