PHOTO/KATE ULLMAN-SHADE

[Editor’s note: Updated March 2 with the fire chief commenting on a possible cause for the fire.]

A three-alarm fire broke out at 10 Mayhew Street early Tuesday afternoon. Heavy smoke could be seen in the downtown area around 12:30 p.m.

According to a Hopkinton Fire Department spokesman, firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from a second-floor porch on the left side of the home, with flames extending into the second floor and attic. A second and third alarm were struck because an aggressive attack on the fire required additional manpower to open up walls and ceilings and get at the deep-seated flames. The fire was under control at approximately 1:30 p.m.

No injuries were reported, although six residents of the home were displaced.

HFD Chief Bill Miller said Wednesday that the cause appeared to be “careless disposal of smoking material.” It was under investigation by the Hopkinton Fire Department and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

In addition to Hopkinton, crews from multiple neighboring towns, including Ashland, Southborough, Westborough, Milford, Framingham and Hopedale, responded to help put out the blaze, while firefighters from Northborough covered Hopkinton stations.

“I’d like to thank all of our mutual aid partners for their vital assistance, and all of the firefighters who responded for a job well done,” Miller said. “This was a tough fire and everyone did an outstanding job.”

The house, which is more than 140 years old, is listed as being owned by Zhao Wang of Bolton.

PHOTO/KATE ULLMAN-SHADE

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO