Firefighters save Hobson Street home amid record cold

BROCKTON — Firefighters worked quickly in Friday night’s deep freeze to douse a fire at an East Side home.

According to Brockton Deputy Fire Chief Scott Albanese, the department was able to catch it early thanks to a neighbor, who called it in on his way to a late shift about 12:15 a.m. Saturday. Albanese said an overworked wood stove appears to have sparked the blaze.

Albanese said the homeowner is able to remain in his home. According to property records, 18 Hobson St. is a three-bedroom single-family ranch built in 1957.


A wood stove fire extended to inside the walls 18 Hobson St., Brockton, on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

© Marc Vasconcellos/The Enteprise A wood stove fire extended to inside the walls 18 Hobson St., Brockton, on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Brockton jakes worked in Arctic conditions. The fire happened as temperatures bottomed out at a record -8 degrees, with wind chills of at least -30 degrees. In those conditions, water in fire hoses freezes almost immediately, Albanese said. Firefighters have to keep water flowing through the hoses or risk damage to the pumps.

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This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Firefighters save Hobson Street home amid record cold

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