Springfield firefighters handle multiple fires Sunday afternoon - Western Mass News - WGGB/WSHM

Springfield firefighters handle multiple fires Sunday afternoon

It began at about 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Springfield firefighters were called to a structure fire on Paridon Street.

Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, told CBS 3 that they were dealing with an approximate 100-foot by 100-foot cabinet-making shop.

Leger said employees were cutting wood inside when they noticed a small fire.

They went to get an extinguisher, but by the time they got back, it was too late.

Leger said he believes that initial reports that someone was trapped inside the building and died are not true.

He added that the building is likely a total loss.

Approximately five minutes later, even more Springfield crews were called to a house fire on Melville Street.

Leger said it appeared the fire began in the garage but spread quickly to the house due to the wind.

The fire also spread to two separate sheds, another garage and another house one street over.

Leger said the house on Melville Street is not likely a total loss, but it suffered at least $100,000 in damage.

They are now looking into a possible cause.

"There were some rumors of neighbors that somebody was burning leaves and brush in the back, which could have caused the fire," said Leger. "But until we talk to everybody in the area, we are going to leave it under investigation."

CBS 3 media partner Mass Live and The Republican reported that during the same timeframe, the Springfield Fire Department was called to five different brush fires.

Firefighters from other cities and towns assisted in putting those out due to the number of fires at the same time.

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