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Last updated on Wednesday, February 14, 2018
(BEDFORD) - Bedford Fire Department firefighters were able to get control of a house fire at 520 Oolitic Road quickly, but spent hours battling hot spots.
Bedford Fire Department Chief Jon Wagner says the home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived just minutes after receiving the call at 8:59 a.m.
Firefighters from all three fire stations responded with three engines. A ladder truck was later called to the scene.
"I responded and could see the steam and smoke from where firefighters were dousing the blaze shooting 250 to 300 feet into the air when I turned onto Lincoln Avenue," says Chief Wagner. "This was a tough fire for them, but they all worked very hard and quickly - to get things under control. They did a fantastic job."
Octavia Sullivan, who lives in the house with her mother, her mother's boyfriend, Sullivan's son, another friend and the friend's son says everyone got out of the home unharmed.
Chief Wagner says that one female jumped from a back window and was injured and taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
No firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
Firefighters surrounded the home and battled the blaze from all four sides.
"Several of the windows were broken out and we had a strong wind flaming the blaze," Chief Wagner says. "The home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene."
The wind and poor construction of the older home hampered firefighter's efforts.
"It was a tough one and dangerous," Chief Wagner says. "We believe the fire started on the lower level but we haven't pinned that down yet. The fire on the lower level caused the upper floor to collapse and that didn't help. The limestone of the older home was cracking and the home was very unstable."
Chief Wagner says a fire inspector from the owner's insurance company will be on the scene sometime today to do their investigation.
Bedford Fire Department Investigator Brent Allen will also be on scene this morning to complete his investigation.
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