Published: 4/12/2022 2:17:14 PM
Modified: 4/12/2022 2:16:04 PM
PHILLIPSTON — Flames caused extensive damage to a single-family, Cape-style home at 315 Petersham Road in Phillipston on Tuesday, April 11. The fire was reported at approximately 10 a.m. by Anne Roy. The home is owned by Roy and Phil Purple.
Purple told the Athol Daily News the fire, which started in the basement, appeared to be electrical in nature.
“Anne went downstairs and turned on the light,” he said, “and poof — the fire started.”
Asked if the couple would be able to repair the damage, Purple said, “Who knows? They’re still in there putting it out, so it’s too early to tell.”
He did say that he and Roy would be able to find someplace to stay until a determination is made on whether the home can be saved.
The home suffered heavy smoke and water damage, and firefighters had to cut a hole through the roof to vent the smoke out of the building.
Crews from nine area fire departments responded to the scene. Units from Athol, Erving, Gardner, Orange, Petersham, Templeton, Warwick, and Winchendon provided mutual aid to firefighters from Phillipston. A Red Cross disaster response team also responded.
Petersham Road/Route 101 was shut down in both directions.
No injuries were reported. There has been no dollar estimate on the amount of damage.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com