A smoky fire, a tight tenement neighborhood and a brave 13-year-old told the story of a Saturday morning fire at 202 Hope St., said Fall River Fire Chief John Lynch.
“It came in a little after 3 a.m.,” Lynch said. “It was on the second floor."
The fire was reported by neighbors at 210 Hope St.
“There were two adults and three children in the apartment,” Lynch said. “The children were 8, 11 and 13.
“The oldest held a bedsheet out the window for the others to slide down,” Lynch said. “Then, he jumped.
“Fortunately, all he got was a couple of skinned knees,” Lynch said.
Firefighters had the fire out in 30 minutes, and believe it was caused by clothing left next to a heater. In addition to fighting the fire on the second floor, firefighters entered the third floor to open skylights and clear the smoke which had filled the third floor.
No firefighters were injured, but all five members of the family on the second floor were taken to Saint Anne’s Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns. All had been released by 11 a.m. Saturday.
Four pumpers, two ladder trucks and heavy rescue responded to the blaze, Lynch said.
Lynch said neighborhoods like that part of Hope Street present a particular struggle for firefighters who have to maneuver equipment down narrow streets.
“Especially at night when all the cars are parked,” Lynch said.
Email Marc Munroe Dion at mdion@heraldnews.com.