Home and Two Vehicles Destroyed in Bridgewater, MA Fire

A family of three and two cats escaped unharmed from a devastating fire and explosion that destroyed a historic home on Crescent Street in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, on April 10, 2026.

The blaze broke out just before 1:30 a.m. And quickly engulfed the single-family residence. The rescue was made possible by the combined efforts of two bystanders and a police officer who alerted the sleeping residents to the danger.

Emergency Rescue Efforts

Eduardo Alvarenga and Jamie Marie Sheridan were driving to a gas station when they spotted the fire. Sheridan contacted 911 while Alvarenga pulled into a driveway to assist. Sheridan jumped a small fence and began knocking on the door, while Alvarenga used his car horn to attract the residents’ attention.

Bridgewater Police Officer Marc-Stephen Hutchins, whose station is located directly behind the house at 7 Crescent Street, also responded by running to the home with a flashlight and knocking on the door.

Following these efforts, the three adult residents were able to exit the home one by one. Officer Hutchins also rescued two cats from the building.

Fire Damage and Explosions

The fire originated in the garage, which housed one vehicle. Two additional vehicles parked in the driveway were also destroyed. According to Bridgewater Fire Chief John Schlatz, several gas containers located in the garage exploded during the incident.

A neighbor, Alison Green, reported hearing a large blast around 2:00 a.m. That rattled windows and shook the house, describing a huge fireball in the sky.

The intensity of the fire caused the roof of the garage to collapse. The home and several vehicles were completely destroyed. While the exact origin of the fire is not yet clear, officials have stated that the blaze was not suspicious.

Historical Significance of the Property

The destroyed property was recognized as a historic site in the town, known locally as the old Hog Farm or Hansen Farm. Members of the community and the Bridgewater Historic Commission remembered the property as the last of its kind in town, noting its history as a site with a large dairy barn, pastures, and fields.