Video by Ned Casey.
In high winds and driving snow about 1:30, Saturday afternoon, Edgartown firefighters battled a fully involved garage fire at the home of Doreen and Dean Grant at 55 The Boulevard. The garage was a total loss but firefighters kept the flames from spreading to the main house or any nearby buildings.
Edgartown Fire Chief Peter Shemeth said the wind blowing across Sengekontacket Pond fanned the flames. By the time firefighters arrived the building was totally engulfed in flames. Chief Shemeth said treacherous driving conditions in driving snow slowed the response. “The roads were horrendous,” he said.
The garage contained a motorcycle, jeep and numerous tools. The building and its contents were totally destroyed. There were no injuries.
Oak Bluffs provided mutual aid. “They picked up a hydrant and hit it from one side and we hit it from the other side,” Chief Shemeth said. Tisbury firefighters provided coverage at the Edgartown station house in the event of another call.
“It was the worst possible conditions and sure enough it [a fire] happened,” Chief Shemeth said.
“I want to thank the firefighters for such a quick response,” Dean Grant told The Times in a phone call Saturday afternoon. Mr. Grant said he had no idea what caused the fire. He said he was happy firefighters kept the flames from spreading and “burning any of the neighbors away.”
The Boulevard runs parallel to Sengekontacket Pond. Northeast winds gusting across the water in excess of 40 mph added to the difficulty of controlling the blaze.