Peabody - 2nd Alarm, Main Street 12/3/07

Shortly before 1800 hours the Peabody Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the vacant Sousa gas station at the corner of Howley and Main streets. Companies arrived to find heavy fire through the roof of one of the three structures on the gas station property. Firefighters were immediately confronted with several challenges...a chain link fence enclosing the property, and then they were also confronted with a broken hydrant. A working fire was declared upon arrival bringing Engine 7 to the fire scene.

Peabody Police worked to close Main Street, although a few drivers managed to make their way around police cruisers and barricades and in a couple of instances drove over charges supply lines. A second alarm was declared within 10 minutes of arrival bringing Salem Engine 2 to the fire. Upon arrival Salem Engine 2 set up a deck gun on the Howley Street side as Peabody Ladder 1 operated it's ladder pipe on the Main Street side. Engine 3 also opened up it's deck gun on the fire as well on the Main Street side of the property, a couple of handlines were also in operation. It was later discovered that there were several open manholes at the rear of the building posing a threat to firefighters, as well as acetylene tanks inside which did not ignite. Crews operated two ladders pipes, two deck guns and several handlines on the fire for nearly two hours before knocking it down. It is believed homeless who have been known to frequent the area may sparked the fire. No injuries were reported.

Apparatus Response:
Initial Response: Peabody Engines 3,4,5, Ladder 1 and Car 2
Working Fire: Peabody Engine 7
2nd Alarm: Salem Engine 2
Special Call Over 2nd: Danvers Engine 3
Additional Resources: Rehab 5, Peabody Police, North Shore Ambulance
Station Coverage: Beverly Engine 1, Lynn Engine 10, Lynnfield Engine 1, Lynn Tower Ladder 4


Upon arrival Peabody Ladder 1 put it's ladder pipe into operation.


The fire as seen from the Howley Street side of the property.


Peabody firefighters stretching a big line.


Ladder 1's stream hitting the fire in the rear.


Another shot of Ladder 1's ladder pipe in operation.


Peabody Engine 3 getting ready to put it's deck gun into operation.


Ladder 1 aiming it's stream over the main building on the property.


Engine 3 opening up it's gun.


Engine 3 flowing water onto the fire building.


Peabody Engine 7 sitting on Main Street during the fire.

Return to North Shore Fire Apparatus and Fireground Photos Homepage