Public safety report: Fire department extinguishes concealed fire on Brown Street

The Waltham Fire Department was able to extinguish a fire hidden in the ceiling of a four-family house on Brown Street this week.

On June 30 at 1:02 a.m., fire crews responded to reports of a fire at 16 Brown Street. Upon arrival, there was no visual sign of fire. After investigating, firefighters were able to locate the fire in the ceiling of a kitchen on the second floor. Crews shut off power and gas to the house to prevent the fire from spreading. Crews from Weston and Watertown assisted in the response as well. The fire was extinguished, and all residents were removed safely. 

The building sustained significant water damage. The second floor unit where the fire began sustained fire damage. In total, 19 people were displaced as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Additional notable fire department activity from June 28 to June 30 is as follows:

On June 28 at 9:14 p.m., fire crews responded to reports of an animal problem at a residence on South Street. A bat had entered the house and residents needed assistance removing it. Using a net, crews were able to capture the bat and release it outside. The bat did not bite anyone.

On June 29 at 8:03 p.m., fire crews responded to reports of a vehicle fire at the intersection of Chestnut and Moody streets. The fire started in the car’s engine and was extinguished by a nearby store owner by the time crews arrived. After firefighters checked to make sure the fire was completely extinguished, the vehicle was towed.

On June 30 at 2:23 a.m., fire crews responded to reports of smoke in a residence on School Street. After investigating, firefighters discovered that a power strip had failed, shorted out a lamp and tripped the circuit breaker. Firefighters removed the power strip and the lamp and used a thermal imager to confirm that the fire was completely extinguished.

This week’s public safety report does not have information from the Waltham Police Department due to issues with the public police blotter’s downloading process. Normal coverage of police activity will resume next week.

All information was obtained from a spokesperson with the Waltham Fire Department.