Fire Destroys Westport Home

At approximately 12 p.m. today, the Westport Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 117 Charlotte White Road Ext. 

The Fire Department was delayed in the notification of the fire, after the occupant called 911 from his cell phone, resulting in the call being routed to Massachusetts State Police which after confirming that no one was in the house, notified Westport Police and Fire Departments.

When Fire Chief Legendre arrived on the scene two minutes after the call came in, he reported a fully involved one story wood frame house. Due to the location of the fire and lack of hydrants, mutual aid was brought in from Little Compton, Tiverton, Dartmouth and Fall River Fire Departments. The firefighters were further hampered by a live electrical line that fell from the house and landed in the driveway.

Because of the delay, the fire had extended to the basement and attic areas. The fire caused an estimated $350,000 in damage and the house is deemed a total loss. The cause of the fire appears to be accidental in nature at this time.

Assisting the firefighters were members of Westport EMA. The Red Cross was called to respond to assist the occupant of the house. The owner of the house is listed as Paul and Carmen Morrissette of Westport.

The occupant was of the was treated by paramedics and remained at the scene. There were no firefighters injured battling the fire.

 Information from the Westport Fire Department