By Beth David, Editor
Lots of things cause stress, anxiety and even trauma in modern life. One of those things is a fire in the home.
One Fairhaven man says that the quick, professional, and empathetic response by first responders helped him get through the ordeal.
David Krol, who owns the house with his girlfriend, was at home working in the yard, power washing on April 21, 2025, when he noticed smoke coming from the roof of the house. He grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran up to the attic. But as soon as he opened it up, the smoke hit him in the face.
“I evacuated,” he said, and managed to take his dog and one cat with him on the way out.
The other two cats were hiding, so he left the door open for them and called 911. It turns out they were hiding under the bureau, and will be okay.
Mr. Krol said he wanted to thank the first responders, police, fire, everyone.
“They were quick, efficient, professional,” he said. “I just want to thank them. I just appreciate what they did.”
They contacted the Red Cross for him. The insurance company is placing a trailer on the property for them to live in while the house is being worked on. He said it will take months before the house is livable.
Meanwhile, he’s dealing with insurance appraisers, and the restoration companies that descended on the property before the smoke even cleared.
According to a press release from the Fairhaven Fire Department, the call came in at just before 3 p.m. on 4/21 for a fire at 32 Highland Avenue. Engine 2 and Ladder 1 were met with smoke coming from the rear of the building, with fire showing.
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- Fairhaven Ladder 1 is still on scene after firefighters knocked down a fire at 32 Highland Avenue that damaged the home but did not cause any injuries. Photo courtesy of Fairhaven Fire Department.
Firefighters ran two hose lines on the interior and exterior of the house.
The cause was determined to be electrical according to the statement.
There were no injuries.
Mutual aid was received from the Mattapoisett Fire Department and the New Bedford Fire Department. The Acushnet Fire sent an Engine for station coverage.
Mr. Krol’s gratitude extends to the community, too. He said he was buying some things at a local store and saw a woman who had heard about the fire.
“She reached into her pocket and tried to hand me money,” said Mr. Krol, who did not take it because, he said, he does not need it. “She was so sweet. It brought tears to my eyes.”
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