Family Safe, Dog Missing, Early Morning Fire Destroys Oak Tree Heights Home
A home in Boston’s Oak Tree Heights neighborhood was destroyed by fire early Monday, leaving a family homeless but safe, Boston Fire Department officials said.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire by a 911 call from neighbor Sandra O’Toole at 5 a.m. the same moment that O’Toole saw smoke coming from the Hendersons’ house. Firemen arrived at the scene shortly after the call at 5:07 a.m.
Chief Rick Ramirez said the Fire had started at 4:55 a.m. and had been caused by a faulty dryer. Firefighters were able to put the fire out in two hours but were unable to save the house and its contents.
Homeowners James Henderson, 42, his wife, Jennie, 40, and their 15-year-old son, Charlie, were inside the home at the time of the fire but managed to escape without injury. The Hendersons were taken to Hillcrest Hospital, where their condition was listed as good.
The family’s dog, Jackie, a yellow Labrador and Collie mix, is missing. Jackie ran away from the house while her owners were trying to get out, James Henderson told reporters.
James Henderson says: “We’re just thankful that we made it out safely. We didn’t even
hear the alarm sound so it caught us off guard when we smelled smoke coming from the
basement. We ran out of the house and made it across the street just in time.”
Ramirez said none of the home’s five smoke alarms were working at the time of the fire. “Not having working smoke alarms is a very common occurrence. Over the course of my career, I’ve dealt with 10 similar cases. That’s why on Saturdays, we hold fire safety classes that are free and open to the community.” Ramirez said.
The fire is the 10th in Boston in the past six months that has resulted in three deaths and six serious injuries. Seven of the 10 fires had missing or nonworking smoke alarms.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family, who own Baking Boston, a local bakery.
X (formerly Twitter) Post: 88 characters Early morning fire destroys Henderson family’s Oak Tree Heights home. Family escapes safely, but dog is missing. Fire chief urges working smoke alarms. Donate to help: #OakTreeFireRecovery
