Firefighter Hurt Battling House Fire on Benjamin St in Winchendon, MA

Winchendon, MA (June 12, 2026) – A firefighter was taken from the scene and three others were hurt on Wednesday morning, June 10. According to the Winchendon Fire Department the firefighters where battling a heavy fire at a two-family home on Benjamin Street in Winchendon shortly before 6 p.m.

The first crew to arrive found heavy smoke pouring from the structure. All occupants had already evacuated safely before responders reached the address.

A second alarm was called due to the intensity of the smoke and flames. Crews worked to keep the fire contained to an attached garage and a vacant apartment. The fire chief then ordered a third alarm to bring in additional mutual aid as heat conditions inside became extreme. Crews were rotated in and out of the home to reduce heat stress risks.

The fire was fully extinguished by 7 p.m. One firefighter was taken from the scene; their status had not been confirmed at the time of this report. Two others were treated on site for heat-related issues.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

We hope all those hurt make a full and swift recovery.

Workers' Compensation Rights for Firefighters Injured on the Job in Winchendon, MA

Firefighters in Massachusetts are covered under the state's workers' compensation system, but the process for public employees operates somewhat differently than it does for private-sector workers. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 111F, firefighters who are injured in the line of duty may be entitled to their full salary while they recover, without drawing from sick time. This benefit applies specifically to injuries sustained during active firefighting or emergency response work.

Heat stress and smoke inhalation are among the most common serious injuries firefighters face. They can range from mild heat exhaustion to heat stroke, respiratory damage, or cardiovascular strain that may not fully present until hours after exposure. In some cases, these injuries have long-term health consequences that go beyond what an initial on-scene evaluation can detect. Firefighters who are treated and released at the scene sometimes discover later that the effects were more significant than first believed.

Worcester County, where Winchendon is located, includes many smaller municipalities that rely on combination or volunteer departments with limited administrative resources. Firefighters in these communities may not always receive clear guidance about their rights after a line-of-duty injury. A personal injury attorney can help make sure a claim is properly filed, that all eligible benefits are pursued, and that any long-term health impacts are accounted for from the start. 

If you or someone you know was hurt while working a fire in Winchendon or elsewhere in Massachusetts, we are available to respond to any questions that may come up. At Fiorentino Legal, P.C., we represent injured individuals across Massachusetts to help them protect their rights and understand their options under state law. 

To learn more, call Fiorentino Legal, P.C. at (617) 990-2568 to speak with our team about your case.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.



Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.