WFD: At 4:46 a.m., the Watertown Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 139 Mill Street, also known as 100 Newell Street, the former Derouin’s Plumbing and Heating building.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames visible on the first floor of the building. Fire crews made an aggressive interior attack, advancing to the seat of the fire and successfully knocking down the flames. Crews then conducted an initial search of the immediate area for potential victims.
Following the initial fire attack, firefighters withdrew from the building and continued extinguishment operations from the exterior while the structural integrity of the building was assessed. Once conditions were determined to be safe for reentry, crews resumed interior operations to extinguish the remaining fire and conduct a thorough search of the building. No victims were located. The building was vacant at the time of the fire, and neighboring structures were not impacted.
The department’s entire on-duty platoon of 15 firefighters responded to the initial alarm. Additional off-duty personnel were subsequently recalled to relieve the initial crews and continue operations. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Watertown Fire Department and Watertown Police Department personnel remained on scene until 10:18 a.m., conducting overhaul and investigative operations. The property has since been secured and turned back over to the building owner.
The Watertown Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Fort Drum Fire Department, Watertown Police Department, City of Watertown Department of Public Works, City of Watertown Water Department, City of Watertown Codes Department, National Grid Gas and Electric, and Guilfoyle Emergency Medical Services.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Matthew Timerman
Fire Chief
