Operations & Training

Spencer, MA, Firefighters Battle Massive Fire, Propane Explosions and Fireworks

Dec. 23, 2024

Two homes were destroyed and another damaged as firefighters struggled to find water in the nonhydranted area.

Heather Morrison

masslive.com

(TNS)

Fireworks in the basement of a Spencer house exploded as firefighters worked to put out the flames Sunday night.

The fire started at a home at 4 East Ave. in Spencer, according to NBC Boston. But it quickly spread to two other houses.

There were propane tanks and fireworks, which are illegal in Massachusetts for those without a certification or licensing, in the basement of the first house, Spencer Fire Chief Robert Parsons told the news outlet.

Video shared on X shows the fireworks exploding as firefighters worked to put out the fire.

The first house is a total loss, WCVB reported, with the second home also likely being a total loss. The third home’s siding on the exterior melted.

Part of the issue with putting out the fire is that there were no fire hydrants on the street, the news outlet reported. Overall, there are very few hydrants in the entire town of Spencer.

Firefighters tried to get water out of a nearby pond but fell through the ice, WCVB reported. Both firefighters involved were OK.

Ultimately, they had to bring tanker trucks to provide water through narrow roads, the news outlet reported.

Officials have not yet said what caused the fire.