5-Alarm Fire Destroys 2 Somerville Businesses

SOMERVILLE, MA — Two firefighters were injured while battling a five-alarm fire that destroyed two businesses in Somerville Monday night.

Crews responded to the fire at approximately 10 p.m. at 129 Broadway. Arriving fire companies encountered heavy smoke in the basement of the one-story commercial building.

The fire spread into the walls, ceiling, and roof. The chief ordered all firefighters to evacuate when conditions became too unsafe to continue operating inside, and crews fought the blaze from the exterior using ladder pipes, deck guns, and hose lines. The first floor partially collapsed into the basement, while the roof collapsed into the first floor, according to the Somerville Fire Department.

A barbershop and the Brazilian restaurant Rei Da Picanha were both considered total losses, and Santander Bank sustained heavy smoke damage. Both businesses were closed when the fire broke out, and no occupants were inside.

Two firefighters suffered electrical shocks and were transported to the hospital. Both have since been released, according to the department.

Crews had difficulty shutting off power to the building. Eversource workers had to access a manhole further away because the nearest manhole was filled with water. Power was eventually shut off.

Mutual aid companies provided assistance on the scene due to the severity of the blaze. Additional crews were called to cover the city, according to Somerville Firefighters Local Union 76.

Firefighters continued working to extinguish hot spots. The fire is believed to have started in the basement, but the cause remains under investigation.

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