05/24/2026
Brookfield ambulance was requested to stand by at the scene due to the potential for injured occupants. Luckily the incident did not escalate to that degree.
***PRESS RELEASE***
***STRUCTURE FIRE: 26 OTIS AVENUE***
On May 21, 2026 at 9:48P.M. The Ware Fire Department was Toned to 26 Otis Ave for reports of smoke and fire coming from the building with people still inside. C-Shift was on duty with a staff of 4. FF Perron requested an immediate second alarm prior to any apparatus on the road. PD arrived on scene and gave update of potentially many people trapped and the entire block was starting to come up. Engine 2 was en-route already with off duty members responding in for other apparatus. With the update from PD Lt. Fandrey quickly requested a Third alarm be struck. Engine 2 on arrival had heavy smoke and fire from the second floor of a large multi family brick, bystanders report still people inside. C-Shift member made entry into the structure at 9:53P.M. 5 minutes after the initial tone to begin searches. Members were met with heavy smoke and fire on the second floor. All primary searches were negative throughout. Ware Fire was able to quickly knock down heavy fire and keep it to the unit of origin. National grid was called and power was shut off to the structure. Red Cross was also called and is assisting 18 residents who were displaced. Amazingly there were no injuries reported. I would like to take a second and appreciate the department we have, and its committed members for an absolutely amazing job. These men and women, no matter what, day in and day out put their lives on the line no matter who it is and no matter how much man power they have. I couldn’t be prouder of the Ware fire department. We thank all our mutual aid as always we couldn’t do this without you. Warren Fire, Palmer Fire, Belchertown Fire, West Brookfield Fire, Brookfield Fire, Hardwick Fire, Monson Fire, Wilbraham Fire, Granby Fire, Brimfield Fire, East Longmeadow Fire, Longmeadow Fire, South Hadley District 1 Fire, Bondsville Fire, West Brookfield Rescue Squad, WestComm Regional Dispatch, and Central Mass Sparks Rehab.
