Posted: Jul 19, 2016 5:10 AM EST Updated: Jul 19, 2016 1:13 PM EST
By Mary Cate Mannion
By Ryan Trowbridge, Web Content Manager
Three people are without a home after a fire overnight in Easthampton.
One person suffered burns and firefighters had to deal with some brutal conditions.
Easthampton firefighters said that it all started in the first floor bedroom and that one of the residents called them to report the fire.
"There was fire coming out of the windows in the front and out of the side," said Easthampton Fire Chief David Mottor.
Those flames moved quickly through the home, climbed up the side of the home and into the roof, and caused $100,000 in damage.
"Normally in older homes, what we call balloon frames. It runs up the inside walls. This one, the doors were closed, the window failed, and it went right up the siding, melted the siding and went right up to the roof," Mottor explained.
With flames and heavy smoke, one of the residents was treated at the hospital for burns and smoke inhalation.
Eight surrounding towns responded to Easthampton’s call for aide, which the chief said was needed as firefighters faced the heat of the flames, as well as high air temperatures.
"With the humidity, our gear will trap in the heat. That's one of the downsides of providing the protection. When you come outside to change your air bottle, there's no relief from the humidity, so the heat and the humidity takes a toll on the firefighters," Mottor added.
The investigation into what sparked this fire is underway by the state fire marshal's office. At this time, they haven't found a cause, but they have determined that this fire is not suspicious.
The Red Cross is helping those who were displaced by this fire.