By Max Bowen
max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Five dogs and a cat died in a house fire on Quinn Street, the cause of which remains under investigation.
According to Fire Chief Christopher Coleman, the fire was reported by a neighbor at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 1. The owner had already left for work that day. Coleman said the fire was in the kitchen and there was heavy smoke-related damage. The State Fire Marshal has been brought in on the investigation, though at this time it does not appear to be suspicious.
While responding the shift commander requested a mutual aid engine due to the other apparatus on a medical call. Engines One and Two and Ladder One arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the one and a half story house. The working fire brought in mutual aid from Attleboro, Plainville, Cumberland, Foxboro, Mansfield EMA Rehab and the Providence Canteen Rehab.
Animal Control Officer Felicia Camara said the dogs were all mastiffs and the cause of death was smoke inhalation. In these incidents, the procedure is to remove the bodies and place them into safe storage until arrangements can be made with the owners.
