Rochester Fire Claims Lives of Two Dogs as Home Is a Total Loss

ROCHESTER (WBSM) — Two dogs were killed in a devastating fire that completely destroyed a Rochester home Wednesday evening.

According to Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel, firefighters were called to 524 Snipatuit Road at about 6:47 p.m. on January 22 for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find fire showing from the front door, front windows, right side garage area and rear deck.

The occupants of the residences were not home at the time of the fire, Weigel said.

The Rochester Fire Department received assistance from the Freetown, Lakeville, Acushnet, Mattapoisett and Marion fire departments as crews battled the blaze in frigid temperatures and needed more water from tankers, as it was in a part of town that does not have hydrants.

Weigel said the fire was under control within 45 minutes and that firefighters remained on the scene for several hours dealing with hot spots and an extensive overhaul operation.

He said approximately 22,000 gallons of water was used, which took 10 tanker shuttle water drops by the mutual aid departments.

“The damage to the residence was extensive and the house is considered a total loss,” Weigel said, noting the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

While no injuries were reported to firefighters or anyone else, two deceased dogs were discovered during the overhaul operations.

“From all of us at the RFD, our hearts and prayers go out to the family who have suffered such a devastating and tragic loss,” Weigel said.