Raging fire destroys home in Winchendon on Christmas Eve

WINCHENDON, Mass. — Firefighters from several communities in northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire responded to a large fire that destroyed a home in Winchendon on Christmas Eve.

When fire crews arrived on the scene, they witnessed heavy fire coming from the roof in the rear of the structure, according to the Winchendon Fire Department.

Crews worked to make sure everyone in the house was accounted for before going into a defensive operation to fight the fire, officials say.

Firefighters from Ashburnham, Hubbardston and Rindge, New Hampshire all swarmed to the fire on School Street.

According to Deputy Chief Bryan Vaine, firefighters struggled to get access to water on the scene because there were no nearby hydrants.

A photo shared by the Ashburnham Fire Department showed the home fully engulfed in flames.

Deputy Vaine said propane tanks for cooking and/or heating were found outside of the home, which contributed to the aggressive nature of the fire.

When Boston 25 News arrived at the scene, only the brick chimney was left standing.

According to Jessie Bigwood, who inherited the home from her grandmother about eight years ago. The home was built by her great, great grandfather in 1928. She also had recently built her dream kitchen inside.

Jessie, her four sons, and boyfriend, are now left in disbelief after decades worth of memories vanished in an instant. Jessie told Boston 25 that she was the only one home when the fire broke out, and she was making last-minute preparations for her Christmas Eve party.

“I looked out back, and it was like this hazy look out over my yard,” said Jessie.

By the time she figured out what was going on, she only had time to get her dogs out of the home safely before it became fully engulfed in smoke and flames.

Sadly, she wasn’t able to save her cat.

Jessie said she’s struggling with what to tell her twin sons now that they don’t have a home for Christmas. Her boys were at daycare when the fire began. Ultimately, she’s grateful they weren’t at home.

Currently, the cause of the fire is under investigation.

No one was injured as a result of the fire, officials say.

Boston 25 is working to get more information about where people can donate to help the family of six.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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