ATHOL — A dog has perished and a building was destroyed in a three-alarm structure fire at 275 Cottage St. in Athol.
Firefighters called in mutual aid from numerous towns in Franklin County after Athol Fire Department received a call reporting the structure fire at approximately 9:53 p.m. Friday.
One engine, a ladder truck and an ambulance were dispatched to the scene, according to Deputy Chief Jeffrey Parker.
“On arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke conditions coming from the building,” wrote Parker in a press release. “A second alarm was struck with building exposures on three sides of the building.”
Orange, Phillipson, Royalston, Petersham, Gardner, Barre, Erving, Winchendon, Turners Falls and Templeton fire departments responded. Hubbardston Fire Department covered the station for Athol and Westminster covered with an ambulance.
Building inspector and State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested on scene. The Athol Department of Public Works was on scene for sanding due to icy conditions.
The fire was contained to the building with some minimal exterior damage to 281 Cottage St. The fire was under control at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Parker reported in a press release that one dog perished in the fire, but no other injuries were reported.
The fire is under investigation by the Athol Fire Department, Athol Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s office. All units were clear from the scene at 3:15 a.m.