ROCKPORT — A mid-day fire Thursday at a Granite Street home in Rockport sent the homeowner, a local businessman, to the hospital.
The man, identified by his ex-wife as Dominque “D.J.” Tardif Jr., president of Bearskin Neck Leathers in Rockport, was transported by ambulance to Gloucester’s Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Jeanine Tardif told former WCVB-TV photographer Stanley Forman in an interview that her ex-husband is about 80 years old.
“They said he didn’t want to come out,” the woman told Forman. “Three of the firemen brought him out. He is a stubborn old coot. He’s a Mainer.”
Jeanine Tardif said she and her ex-husband have a son who is a former Rockport firefighter and, when he learned about the blaze, he immediately went to the hospital before arriving at the scene of the fire.
Later in the day, Rockport fire Chief Mark Wonson reported Tardif was taken to the hospital suffering “minor injuries.” He said no injuries were reported among firefighters on the scene.
The fire at 15 Granite St. produced billowing plumes of choking smoke as firefighters worked to douse the blaze. Much of the damage to the home, located near Forest Street, was to the building’s second floor and attic.
First reports of the fire came at approximately 11:49 a.m. and the blaze was mostly brought under control by about 12:30 p.m.
While the fire was raging, firefighters on ladders worked to ventilate areas in both the front and back of the house. Wonson joined his crews in the battle, at one point battling the blaze on the home’s roof.
“It was quite an experience,” Wonson said.
Firefighters laid hoses nearly a quarter mile to a fire hydrant on Forest Street. Police blocked access to the neighborhood, shutting down parts of Granite and Forest streets.
About noon, the fire went to three alarms, bringing in more Rockport firefighters and mutual aid from the Gloucester Fire Department.
Manchester-by-the-Sea fire Chief James “Jake” McNeilly said he and his department responded to the mutual aid request immediately after the call went out.
“The mutual aid system is imperative for small towns like Rockport and Manchester to mitigate fires like this,” he said. “They did a nice job, as always.”
Wonson said late Thursday afternoon he was waiting for a determination from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services regarding the estimated damages to the home and the cause of the fire. He reported state fire investigators were on scene during the fire.
Meanwhile, Rockport resident Mike Whitten was out for his frequent stroll down Granite Street, a walk he takes almost every day.
On Thursday, he marveled at the scene.
“You hate to see that happen to anybody,” he said. “I know what houses cost. I hope they have insurance.”
Whitten said the volunteer firefighters in Rockport often do not get enough attention for the work they do and deserve more recognition.
“I’m glad they’re willing to step up,” he said.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.
