Westport House Fire Causes $50,000 in Damages

WESTPORT — At approximately 7 a.m. this morning, the Westport Fire Department received a 911 call of a structure fire at 250 Briggs Road. The owners of the house were alerted of the fire by their smoke detectors sounding and called 911 prior to leaving the house.

The first arriving apparatus, which arrived in four minutes, found moderate smoke coming from a one-story wood frame house. After confirming that all the occupants were out of the building, firefighters began an interior attack into the basement. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes, but not before it extended into the first floor and attic.

The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage and the home suffered moderate water and smoke damage. The fire appears to be accidental and remains under investigation by the Fire Investigation Unit.

In addition to the three engines from Westport, mutual aid was called to the scene from Fall River and Tiverton Fire Departments.

The owner of the property was identified as Joseph and Mary Novo of Westport. There were no reported injuries, but sadly their dog perished in the fire.

--Information from Captain Michael Silvia, Westport Fire Department