ATHOL – An occupant of a home at 253 Batchelder Road was life-flighted from the scene of a second alarm fire last Friday, according to Fire Chief Jeffrey Parker.

The fire was reported at 6:41 p.m., and Athol Fire went to a second alarm, which resulted in mutual aid from Orange, Templeton, Barre, Westminster, Gardner, Hubbardston, New Salem, Northfield, the Massachusetts Fire District 8 Investigation Unit and State Fire Marhshal. Winchendon provided station coverage, according to Parker.

Athol Fire dispatched a ladder, two engines, and an ambulance, said Parker. Upon arrival, firefighters saw much of the fire was on the exterior of the house and began an aggressive attack while additional crews arrived. One occupant was transported by ambulance and later life-flighted to an area hospital. A cat died in the fire and another is missing at this time, said Parker.

There is significant fire damage to the lower level of the home and some fire and smoke damage to the second floor, said Parker. Some structural members were burnt through, and the building has some structural integrity problems. It is not habitable at this time. The fire remains under investigation.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or mbowen@atholailynews.com.