44°
Two other women who were at the 99 West River Street home at the time of the fire were able to escape without serious injury. Several of their dogs died in the blaze.
The house is considered a total loss.
A GoFundMe created to help the victim's families has raised more than $33,000 as of 6 p.m. Thursday.
Our dear friends, Sarah, Vicki, and Penny lost everything in a house fire on 12/14/23. Vicki is currently in the hospital being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Deb, their friend who lives with them, is fighting for her life. All of Vicki's dogs were lost in the fire. The dogs on Sarah's side of the house were saved. One, Em, is being treated at the emergency hospital (VESH in Deerfield) for smoke inhalation.If you know Boston Terriers, you know the Kennedys. Their commitment to the breed is lifelong and unwavering.
Original: Two older Franklin County residents were seriously injured overnight when a fire in a wood stove used for heating broke out into a three-alarm blaze, authorities said.
The blaze at 99 West River St. in Orange began just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the back of the home. Two older residents were trapped inside, and firefighters had to break in a door to rescue them, state fire officials said.
Authorities did not release their names. Two other residents at the home were able to escape unharmed.
Paramedics rushed the older adults to Athol Memorial Hospital. Both were later taken to Boston hospitals for treatment.
“Our foremost concern right now is for two members of our community who were seriously injured last night,” said Orange Fire Chief James Young. “I want to thank our mutual aid partners for their vital assistance, and I especially want to recognize the firefighters who risked their own safety to rescue one occupant from a life-threatening environment.”
The home is a total loss.
The State Fire Marshal's Office said the blaze is being investigated, but it doesn't appear suspicious.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hampshire Franklin and receive free news updates.
