News Summary
A significant fire damaged a historic dodecagonal home in Jamaica Plain on Thursday. The property, known for its striking design, saw quick response from fire services. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied, but extensive interior damage was reported due to the blaze and water used to extinguish it. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as the community reflects on the impact of this beloved local landmark.
Jamaica Plain – A historic home in Jamaica Plain suffered significant damage following a fire that broke out on Thursday afternoon. The unique teal-painted residence, known for its striking dodecagonal shape consisting of three hexagons and topped with an ornate cupola, was significantly impacted by the blaze, which started around 1 p.m.
According to reports, a neighbor noticed smoke emanating from a corner of the roof and promptly alerted emergency services. The Jamaica Plain Fire Department responded quickly, arriving on the scene within five minutes of the 911 call, according to a department spokesperson. Fortunately, the property was unoccupied at the time of the fire, allowing for a safe response by the firefighting team.
The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes. Many complications arose due to the location of the home on a small lot adjacent to a steep 50-foot rocky drop-off, which presented challenges for the access of fire department trucks. Additionally, icy road conditions hampered efforts to gain access to the back of the house, further complicating the firefighting operations.
Initial assessments revealed significant damage to the interior of the house, with estimates suggesting that repairs would need to extend down to the studs throughout much of the structure. Although there was minimal damage to the exterior, the impact of the water from the fire hoses caused considerable issues within the interior, necessitating that upper-level windows be boarded up and leaving ash and debris scattered throughout the home.
The property, located at 17 Cranston St., is a well-known landmark in the neighborhood and has been for over a century. Historical records indicate that the house was constructed in the 1870s by immigrants from Nova Scotia or Scotland. In recognition of its cultural significance, the home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Anecdotal historical accounts have detailed that even in the early 1900s, access to the home was difficult due to the steep roads surrounding it. Residents have fondly remembered the property, with the Boston Daily Globe once describing it as “a most peculiar and interesting house.”
The current owner, Bob Field, expressed gratitude for the quick actions of the fire department. He and his family have lived in the historical home for nearly 30 years and are currently in discussions with insurance adjusters concerning recovery options following the fire. Community members, including neighbors, have expressed their sadness over the incident, noting the couple’s involvement in the neighborhood, such as hosting summer barbecues and Christmas parties.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, as authorities work to determine how the blaze erupted in the iconic home. As the neighborhood grapples with the loss of a beloved structure, the community remains hopeful for a swift recovery and reconstruction of this significant property.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Jamaica Plain Gothic Home Damaged in Fire
- Wikipedia: Jamaica Plain
- Jamaica Plain News: Fire of National Register Historic Places Home
- Google Search: Jamaica Plain historic home fire
- Jamaica Plain News: Celebrate Boston Women’s Heritage Trail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jamaica Plain
- Tufts Daily: A Trip to Jamaica Plain
- Google News: Jamaica Plain fire news
