How an Aluminum Gutter Sparked a Building Fire on Fall River’s North Main Street

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A person was taken to the hospital on Monday after a building fire that may have been sparked by construction workers inadvertently striking a power line.

How the Fall River Fire Started

Captain Joshua Hetzler of the Fall River Fire Department said that on July 13 at about 3:14 p.m., units were dispatched to a reported building fire at 1740 North Main Street.

Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming out of the building. The fire had spread into the walls and the attic, but firefighters were able to bring it under control.

According to a fire department press release, “construction workers renovating the building had struck a power line with an aluminum gutter, potentially energizing the structure.” No electrical hazards were found inside the building.

Get our free mobile app

Displacements and Hospitalizations Reported

Five occupants were displaced, and the variety store located on the ground floor of the building had to close.

One person was transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Two firefighters were evaluated at the scene for heat-related symptoms and were taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Fall River Fire Department Issues Safety Warning

“The Fall River Fire Department reminds residents and contractors performing renovation or construction work to remain aware of overhead utility lines,” the department said in a release.