A three-alarm fire ravaged a two-family house in Lawrence (MA) that left 10 people homeless and two firefighters injured, reports the Eagle-Tribune.
Heavy flames were billowing out the windows and attic when the first firefighters arrived at 2:15 a.m.
By 2:26 a.m., the third alarm sounded, summoning mutual aid coverage from fire departments as far away as Tewksbury and Dracut, fire officials said.
The fire gutted the building and burned most of its contents, Deputy fire Chief Brian Murphy said. He estimated the total loss at $350,000.
This number is based on the cost to rebuild and the value of the things that were lost, but is not related to the real estate value of the property.
Firefighting efforts were hampered by an inadequate water supply, which officials blamed on antiquated water mains and pipes in the area.
“In that part of the city, there is a not a whole lot of water volume,” said Lawrence Fire Chief Jack Bergeron.
Crews initially made an interior attack in the home, but were forced outside due to the monstrous flames and heat. An aggressive “defensive” attack was immediately launched outside the home.
“The fire was too much and it got to be too dangerous,” Bergeron said, explaining why firefighters were pulled outside.
“The cause of this fire will probably be left ‘undetermined’ because there was too much damage,” the chief said.
Residents on the second floor said they first saw fire in the ceiling and light fixtures and space between the second floor and the attic, Bergeron said.
The 10 people who lost their home and belongings are all family members who lived on both floors of the two-story home. One resident was taken to a local hospital as a precaution, Deputy Chief Murphy said.
Lawrence Firefighter Jose Ortiz suffered a knee injury battling the blaze. Methuen fire Lt. Sandra Cunha was also injured. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment, fire officials said. Details about Cunha’s injuries were unavailable.
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