Fall River man suffers minor burns in Middle Street fire

FALL RIVER — A man was treated for minor burns after a fire broke out in the basement of his Middle Street home shortly after midnight Wednesday, according to fire officials.

The fire began in the basement of the two-story, wood-framed home at 919 Middle St. at 12:42 a.m., said Fall River Deputy Chief Roger St. Martin. Five people were displaced from the home.

Three fire engines, two ladder trucks and a heavy rescue company arrived at the home about five minutes later to smoke showing from the basement, St. Martin said.

Firefighters had the basement fire put out in just about 30 minutes, according to St. Martin.

One man who lived at the address received minor burns on his arms when he tried to extinguish the flames himself, St. Martin said.

The man walked about three blocks to St. Anne’s Hospital, where St. Martin said he was treated and released.

Officials are looking at the home’s electrical system as the likely cause of the fire, which caused about $35,000 in damage to the structure, St. Martin said.

Email Amanda Burke at aburke@heraldnews.com.