NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — One woman was seriously injured and 27 people are without a home after three buildings caught fire in New Bedford Thanksgiving morning.
Crews responding to Washburn Street just before 10 a.m. could see the smoke from far away and immediately knew multiple structures were on fire, according to New Bedford Acting Fire Chief Scott Kruger.
Acushnet, Dartmouth and Fairhaven fire departments also responded to provide assistance. The crews battled the fire for more than three hours.
Of the three buildings, two of them are multi-family homes.
The injured woman was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital to be treated for serious injuries.
Initial investigation revealed that the fire may have started by an accident while deep frying a turkey.
Kruger added that multiple other families are lucky to not be in a similar situation.
“In just the time this incident has gone on, the mutual aid companies have also responded to three or four cooking mishaps we would ordinarily respond to if we weren’t here,” Kruger said. “So, you can’t underestimate the danger of cooking.”
The mayor is urging everyone in the city to be careful and safe this holiday season.
