“Devastating Blaze Consumes Historic Oakhurst Manor in Northbridge, Massachusetts”
A massive fire tore through Oakhurst Manor, a 43-room mansion nestled in Northbridge, Massachusetts, overnight. The Grafton Fire Department responded to the scene at 120 Hill St. in the early hours of Friday morning, finding the mansion’s roof already engulfed in flames upon arrival. Firefighters battled fiercely against the blaze, which quickly turned into a defensive operation as smoke poured relentlessly from the building.
Northbridge Fire Chief David White revealed that the fire started at 1:04 a.m., with firefighters encountering intense flames on the upper floors upon arrival. Given the mansion’s age and construction, Chief White highlighted the challenges faced in fighting the inferno, prompting an immediate shift to a defensive strategy. Sadly, the roof eventually collapsed under the fire’s relentless assault.
Despite the brave efforts of the firefighting teams, it wasn’t until 5:45 a.m. that the fire was finally brought under control. Firefighters continued to extinguish lingering hot spots, mindful of the historical significance of the structure. Chief White acknowledged Oakhurst Manor’s importance within the community, expressing hope that the damage sustained would not lead to its complete loss.
Miraculously, amid the chaos, there were no reported injuries. Chief White confirmed that all seven residents residing within the mansion had evacuated safely, finding temporary refuge in another building on the property. Photos shared by the Grafton Fire Department depicted a massive emergency response, with numerous ladder trucks surrounding the mansion as flames and thick smoke engulfed the once-grand edifice.
As investigations into the fire’s cause and the extent of the damage begin, uncertainties loom over the future of Oakhurst Manor, leaving the community eagerly awaiting further updates.