Two dogs killed, resident injured in Christmas Day fire in Orange

A three-alarm fire at 15 Jones St. reported the afternoon of Christmas Day has left the home uninhabitable. One resident was injured and two dogs died in the fire.

A three-alarm fire at 15 Jones St. reported the afternoon of Christmas Day has left the home uninhabitable. One resident was injured and two dogs died in the fire. PHOTO CREDIT/BRYAN FAVREAU—

Orange Fire requested mutual aid to this three-alarm fire at 15 Jones St. reported at 4:05 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Orange Fire requested mutual aid to this three-alarm fire at 15 Jones St. reported at 4:05 p.m. on Christmas Day. PHOTO CREDIT/BRYAN FAVREAU—

By Max Bowen

Athol Daily News Editor

Published: 12-26-2023 12:08 PM

Modified: 12-26-2023 1:45 PM


ORANGE — A three-alarm house fire on Jones Street reported the afternoon of Christmas Day killed two dogs and left the home uninhabitable, according to the Orange Fire Department.

The fire was reported at 15 Jones St. at 4:05 p.m. Initially a first-alarm fire, a third alarm was struck as the fire spread, bringing in mutual aid from several departments. According to the Orange Fire Department, all on-duty, off-duty, full-time and on-call Orange Fire personnel responded.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed fire and smoke showing from the three-story, wood-frame structure. All occupants had been able to safely evacuate, according to fire officials, though one was transported to Athol Hospital by Northfield EMS with non-life-threatening injuries.

Crews were told that several dogs were still inside the house and they made an interior push to locate the animals. Two dogs were located and safely removed, but two more died in the fire.

One firefighter was medically evaluated, but did not require hospitalization, according to the Orange Fire Department. The home sustained significant damage and is considered uninhabitable.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Orange Fire Department and the Department of Fire Services.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or at mbowen@recorder.com.

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