By Linda Bock
The Telegram & Gazette

HOPEDALE, Mass. — Four firefighters were injured battling a three-alarm fire that heavily damaged a two-story house with an attic at 17 Park St. late Monday night.

The first alarm came into the station two minutes before midnight Monday. When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy fire at the front of the building, according to Deputy Fire Chief Thomas M. Daige. Another alarm was immediately struck. The occupants had gotten out of the building.

The fire spread quickly in the wooden structure and created pockets of flames.

Firefighters from Hopedale, Milford, Mendon, Upton, Uxbridge, Hopkinton, Bellingham and Millville chased flames throughout the building, during high heat and humidity.

Deputy Chief Daige said three firefighters were treated at Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford for heat exhaustion, and another firefighter was treated for a cut hand. All four were released after treatment.

Four children and two adults were displaced, according to the American Red Cross.

Authorities have not released information on the cause of the fire, although they believe it started on the front porch, according to Deputy Chief Daige. The state fire marshal's office is assisting with the investigation.

The house is owned by Cassandra Lovejoy, according to town records.

Firefighters from Northbridge covered the Hopedale Fire Station.

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