Early morning blaze ravages Southampton home 

SOUTHAMPTON — A Pomeroy Meadow Road home sustained heavy damage in a fire that broke out early Friday morning. 

Firefighters responded to the residence at 103 Pomeroy Meadow Road around 1:05 a.m. and brought the fire under control a short time after getting to the scene, according to Southampton Fire Chief John Workman.

“The group did really well. They stopped the fire in a pretty quick manner,” Workman said.

But even with the fast response, the fire had spread and caused at least $150,000 in damage, he said. 

“It has the potential to be a total loss,” Workman said.

The three occupants of the home got out safely and they had no pets.  The American Red Cross is providing assistance with housing and essentials for the displaced residents. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but it apears to have begun near a chimney and was likely accidental, Workman said.  

Southampton had two engine companies on scene, and engines also arrived from Easthampton, Westhampton, Holyoke and Westfield. A Northampton Fire Department ambulance stood by at the scene, and Easthampton’s Community Emergency Response Team set up a trailer to keep firefighters warm.

Workman said temperatures in the teens can creates problems such as potential jams in fire hoses and water hitting the ground that can quickly freeze and create icy conditions.

“Cold winter conditions are especially challenging. Lots of ice around the fire scene can be dangerous” Workman said.

While there were some slips and falls on the ice, no one was injured, he said. 

Firefighters cleared the scene around 8 a.m. Workman said they will keep an eye on the property throughout Friday.