Son rushed into burning Mass. house to save his father — then both became trapped

A son got trapped as he tried to rescue his father from inside a burning home in Ipswich Monday afternoon.

Officials were alerted to the burning home at 383 Linebrook Road around 11:51 a.m. While they were on their way there, they found out two men had become trapped inside.

The son ran over from the home next door to try to save his father who had mobility issues. But both men got stuck on the second floor as the fire raged.

When Ipswich Police arrived at 11:56 a.m., heavy fire was coming out of both the front and back of the home. Police were unable to go through the smoke conditions to get inside.

Two firefighters were able to rescue the men.

The older man was taken to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport by Action Ambulance for treatment of smoke inhalation. He was later taken to a Boston hospital. His son was evaluated and declined going to a local hospital.

A dog was killed and two people were injured by dog bites. Two cats are still missing.

Water supply was also limited as firefighters battled the blaze because the water main was a dead-end, officials said. The home was a total loss.

“Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from both the front and rear of the building with people trapped, and they effected the rescue of two people over a portable ladder. That is a low frequency, high risk event, with a successful outcome.” said Ipswich Fire Chief Paul Parisi. “I want to express my gratitude for the teamwork between our Ipswich and Rowley firefighters today. They train for situations such as this, and undoubtedly saved lives with their ability to work hand in hand. I also want to commend the son who risked his life to save his father. He is a true hero.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ipswich Fire Department, Ipswich Police Department, and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.