Above: The Boland Pumping Station after yesterday’s fire
The Southborough Fire Department responded to a fire at the Boland Pumping Station on Northboro Road yesterday morning. Two engines from Southborough and a ladder truck from Marlborough responded. The fire was quickly knocked down.
Fire Chief John Mauro, Jr. said they have not determined the cause yet, but he told the Metrowest Daily News it is likely related to Tropical Storm Irene:
After the station lost power yesterday along with most of the town, a fuel-powered backup pump was set up to keep the pumps working. Mauro said it looks like exhaust coming out of the backup pump may have ignited the blaze, which he said spread nor [sic] further than the ceiling and attic.
Because of the fire, selectmen initially declared a mandatory outside water ban to run through 5:00 pm on Wednesday. In a statement last night, officials said they were able to restore partial capacity at the pumping station so the ban would be shorten to 5:00 pm today.
Officials said there was never any concern about water quality as a result of the fire or the storm.
