Firefighter John O’Connor is seen being deconned by fellow Firefighter Ryan Epps after extinguishing a fire at 23 Melvin Street. Firefighter O’Connor’s gear had been covered with blown in insulation after walls and ceilings were opened up to search for hidden fire. — Photo courtesy of Somerville FD

On May 26, 2021 at 4:51 p.m., the Somerville Fire Department was notified of a house fire at 23 Melvin Street. Responding firefighters found an active fire involving a third floor bedroom. The fire resulted in significant fire, smoke and water damage to the third floor and water damage to the remaining areas. Several skylights on the roof were ventilated due to heavy smoke on the third floor. Walls and ceilings were opened by firefighters to verify that the fire had not spread into the attic space. Ten adults and six children have been displaced. Somerville Health & Human Services representatives were on scene working with the Red Cross to provide services. The home is uninhabitable at this time. One firefighter suffered a knee injury. The unseasonable hot temperatures added to the difficulty in fighting the fire.

Eight of Somerville’s nine fire companies operated at the fire along with both on duty Chief’s.  Boston and Cambridge provided coverage at Somerville fire stations for the duration of the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Charles J. Breen Jr.
Somerville Fire Department
Chief Engineer