ASHFIELD — A house fire at 314 Norton Hill Road, which caused extensive damage and burned down a barn next to the home Friday night, saw several departments called to battle the blaze in sub-freezing temperatures.
“The owner and the animals that were in the house are safe,” said Ashfield Police Officer Michael Gralenski.
The homeowner, Joan Arsenault, was safe with neighbors, Gralenski said.
While first responders are still uncertain what the true cause of the fire was, Gralenski said it may have been woodstove-related.
Hawley Fire Chief Greg Cox, who’s department assisted at the scene, said the fire may actually have started in the barn.
The barn had burned down, and caused damage to vehicles that were located behind the main house by 9:30 p.m. Friday night. Cox said his department received the call at approximately 7:55 p.m.
After more than an hour and a half, smoke continued to billow out of the top floor and attic of the home. As firefighters continued to battle the flames, tanker trucks from Ashfield and Plainfield continuously took trips to Ashfield Lake to pump water and bring it back to the scene.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 264.