Accidental Fire Damages

Cullens Youth Lodge

By Andrew Gorosko

Firefighters from all five local volunteer fire companies responded about 8:18 pm on Friday, March 16, to a report of a structure fire underway at Cullens Lodge at the 20-acre Cullens Youth Association property at 72 Taunton Lake Road, fire officials said.

There were no injuries in the accidental fire that was caused by an electrical problem with wiring within the wall of the second story of the wood-frame structure, said Fire Marshal Bill Halstead. The fire caused an estimated $60,000 worth of property damage, he said. The structure is insured for loss.

The fire was discovered by a property caretaker who had returned to the site and heard an alarm sounding, the fire marshal said.

Hook & Ladder Fire Chief Jason Rivera, who was incident commander, said that on his arrival he saw heavy smoke coming from the 2,400-square-foot building along its roof and eaves. Also, fire extended out of an upper level window.

Firefighters mainly contained the blaze to its room of origin and to the attic above it, he said. Firefighters cut a hole in the roof to ventilate the fire.

The five-company response drew an estimated 40 firefighters to the scene, Chief Rivera said.

Firefighters used the water carried on a fire tanker to rapidly put out the blaze, he said.

Firefighters’ aggressive attack against the fire resulted in its quick extinguishment, keeping damage down to a moderate level, he said. Firefighters performed well at the incident, he said. The structure is repairable, he added.

The lodge is used year-round for local organized youth groups’ meetings and events. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and church youth groups are among those who have used the Cullens facilities.

Besides the lodge, the privately owned site holds facilities including a pavilion, amphitheater, pond, and campsites. The lodge has a meeting room, kitchen, rest rooms, and storage areas.

 James Loring, president of the association’s board of directors, said March 21 that the group has filed an insurance claim to cover the repair costs stemming from the fire.

The association plans to repair the fire damage and will be cooperating with the town building department to the get structure suitably repaired for its reuse, Mr Loring said.

Mr Loring noted that some of the firefighters who had responded to the March 16 blaze said that they had had spent time in their youth at the Cullens facility.