By Beth David, Editor
A fire at 216 Main Street in Fairhaven displaced three occupants and killed a dog and a cat; one dog was rescued by firefighters.
According to a press release from the Fairhaven Fire Department, the call came in at 6:59 p.m. for a structure fire. When crews arrived, heavy fire was showing from the side of the house on the first floor and smoke was showing from all floors. The fire started on the first floor.
In an interview with local TV station, Channel 10 (turnto10.com), Fairhaven Fire Chief, Todd Correia, said the way the house was built contributed to the quick spread of the fire upward. He said the “balloon frame construction” made it easy for the fire to go from the first floor right up to the attic. The construction has no barriers to stop the fire once it gets into the walls.
It took crews about an hour to get the fire under control. Crews from Mattapoisett, Acushnet, and New Bedford also responded to the scene.
The house is owned by Phillip Picard, who lives there with his two daughters, 13, and 8.
Mr. Picard’s niece, Jayda Picard, has set up a GoFundMe page, saying they lost everything: https://tinyurl.com/bddb22sk
“He is also carrying this tragedy while trying to stay strong for his two young daughters, who have been deeply affected by everything that happened. Right now, Phill needs support to get through this incredibly difficult time and begin rebuilding life after the fire,” she writes on the fundraising page.
“This fundraiser will help Phill with the essentials needed to move forward, including food, a place to live, clothes, and the many everyday necessities that come with restarting from nothing,” she wrote, adding it could happen to anyone, and that he uncle is always there to take care of people when they need help.
“Now it is Phill’s turn to be surrounded by that same care and kindness,” she wrote. “Please consider supporting Phill Picard in any way you can, and thank you for helping Phill and his daughters take the first steps toward rebuilding after this terrible loss.”
On Facebook, Ms. Picard also said she would accept donations of clothes and other necessities. Call her at 508-961-9336
You can also find Jayda on Facebook to get updates.
As of press time, the GoFundMe account had received $28,931 towards a goal of $35,000
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- Firefighters battle a blaze at 216 Main Street in Fairhaven that reached from the first floor to the attic, destroying the house, on the evening of 10/10/26. Photo courtesy of Mason Simoes.
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- A firefighter can be seen in the window of the second floor as a blaze destroys the house at 216 Main Street in Fairhaven on 10/10/26. Photo courtesy of Mason Simoes.
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- Firefighters battle a blaze at 216 Main Street in Fairhaven that reached from the first floor to the attic, destroying the house, on the evening of 10/10/26. Photo courtesy of Mason Simoes.
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Click here to download the 10/15/26 issue: 10-15-26 FireOpenHouse
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