Turners Falls kitchen fire quickly extinguished

TURNERS FALLS — Mary Morin was cooking lunch on Friday afternoon at her 40 Turnpike Road home when the oil she was using caught fire and the blaze began to spread.

Morin called 911 and was able to escape the building. Barefoot and wearing only a blue robe, she watched from the street as police and firefighters arrived to help.

According to Turners Falls Fire Chief Todd Brunelle, the call came in at 12:53 p.m. and Montague Police confirmed flames were showing upon their arrival. Brunelle credited the police for their role in limiting damage to the home, as they used fire extinguishers to slow the spread of the kitchen fire.

With assistance from members of other area fire departments, the fire was quickly knocked down. Firefighters entered the two-story house to ventilate it and look for fire extending into the framing of the building.

“I like to be 100% certain I see no extension,” Brunelle added.

Morin’s dog, Bella, was found unharmed in the smoky residence and carried out by Turners Falls Fire Capt. Luke Hartnett.

In addition to the Turners Falls Fire Department, firefighters responding to the second-alarm fire came from Greenfield, Montague Center, Bernardston and Erving. The Orange Fire Department provided station coverage. The Montague Police Department and American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance also responded.

As Morin watched from the bay of her neighbor’s garage across the street, the fire was declared under control. Morin said she has insurance.