ORANGE — An air conditioner is the likely cause of a fire on Meadow Lane, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
Orange, Athol, New Salem, Phillipston and Erving fire departments responded to the call that came in at 3:04 p.m., and the residential property to find the upper area of the building in flames.
Heavy smoke could be seen from several miles away, pouring from the “eaves and attic” areas, and flames reached up through the roof and out the back of the house, the Orange Fire Department posted on its Facebook page. And, the department said, a large portion of the roof collapsed.
“We also received a report from the Phillipston Fire Tower that smoke was visible to them in that area as well,” the post reads.
No one was injured in the fire, and the residents were out of the house by the time firefighters arrived, Orange Fire Chief James Young said.
While the cause of the fire is still officially under investigation, Jennifer Mieth, a spokeswoman for the state fire marshal, said an air conditioner could be examined to determine if it indeed caused the fire.
“The fire originated above the ceiling in a void space and in an area where there was an air conditioner unit, which has fallen,” Mieth said.
More investigation is needed to determine exactly what sparked the flames, Mieth said.
“In order to examine the air conditioner unit, heavy equipment needs to be brought in and we’re still waiting to hear whether or not the insurance company will do that,” Mieth said. “There is nothing to suggest this was intentional, and all signs point to the air conditioner.”
According to a statement from the Orange Fire Department, the house has been deemed a total loss.
Neighbors helped evacuate the occupants of the home, who were unreachable for comment Friday.