LONGMEADOW – A fire tore through a Longmeadow residence Sunday, forcing a family from their home and prompting firefighters from several area departments to respond to the blaze. The fire also caused the postponement of the Longmeadow Santa Run.
The homeowner on Tennyson Drive called early Sunday morning to report a chimney fire, according to a posting on social networks by the Longmeadow Fire Department.
“Prior to arrival, Longmeadow Fire crews received an update that the homeowner was reporting that the walls were hot and that he believed he was in the walls,” the post said.
Firefighters from Longmeadow, East Longmeadow and neighboring departments joined together to battle the flames. A second alarm activated the mutual aid of the North Thompsonville and Shaker Pines Fire Departments (both in Enfield, Conn.) and the Agawam Fire Department. A third alarm called for additional reinforcements from Springfield Fire and Emergency Services, Chapin Ambulance and the Ludlow Fire Department.
Crews launched an initial interior assault on the fire, but flames had already penetrated the walls and attic space, according to the social media post.
“Due to the volume of fire, crews were withdrawn and a defensive attack was initiated,” the post said.
Longmeadow Fire Chief John Rigney said the fire completely destroyed the home and the matter is currently under investigation by the Longmeadow Fire Department and the state Fire Department.
Rigney said the affected family said they do not want any fundraising or community help at this time and wish to remain anonymous, Rigney said.
Meanwhile, the fire chief said his department was understaffed to fight the blaze and set up the Santa Run that was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
“Santa and all his elves have been up all night with a house fire and are still busy helping the homeowners,” the Longmeadow Fire Department said in a second post on Facebook sunday morning
Rigney said the department will try to reschedule the community event before Christmas.
The Santa Run, started four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to foster community spirit and holiday cheer, he said.