Westport firefighters, along with mutual aid companies from surrounding communities, responded to a structure fire in Westport Point late this morning.
The first-arriving engine encountered heavy fire in the kitchen area of a two-story dwelling attached to the United States Post Office. Initial reports indicated that all occupants had safely evacuated; however, two cats and one dog remained unaccounted for.
As firefighters worked to contain and extinguish the fire, crews conducted searches of the dwelling for fire extension and the missing animals. All three animals were ultimately located and safely removed from the structure.
The dog was found semi-responsive and experiencing labored breathing. Firefighters were able to revive the animal before it was transported to a local animal hospital. At last report, all three animals were doing well and are expected to survive.
A Westport firefighter was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital by Westport firefighter/paramedics for heat exhaustion. At last report, he was doing well.
The United States Post Office was not damaged in the fire and is expected to reopen tomorrow.
As always, the Westport Fire Department thanks our mutual aid partners from Tiverton Fire, Little Compton Fire, and Dartmouth Districts 2 & 3, along with the Westport Police Department, for their assistance.
The cause of the fire is not considered suspicious and remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Fire Investigation Unit.
Photos courtesy of retired Westport Fire Captain Michael Silvia.
