Massive Somerville Fire Displaces 43 Residents

SOMERVILLE, MA — More than 40 residents have been displaced after a five-alarm fire tore through a mixed-use building in Teele Square Wednesday afternoon, according to the Somerville Fire Department.

The fire broke out at approximately 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the building at 1137-1147 Broadway near Curtis Street. The department told Patch that members of the department's Teele Square station, located across the street, notified Fire Alarm after hearing a fire alarm and seeing heavy smoke coming from the third floor.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense flames above the third-floor ceilings that had spread throughout the entire underside of the building's roof. Five aerial ladders were extended to the roof, allowing firefighters to ventilate smoke and open holes in the roof to expose and extinguish the spreading flames.

The response eventually grew to five alarms, bringing assistance from Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Belmont, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere and Watertown. The Medford Fire Department also provided a drone that gave crews additional aerial visibility to help coordinate the response. The fire was brought under control at approximately 6 p.m.

All occupants were able to evacuate the building safely, and no resident injuries were reported. Several firefighters sustained minor injuries, the department told Patch, including two who were transported to a hospital for treatment. Firefighters also located two cats inside the building and removed them to safety.

The fire displaced 43 residents from 32 units. According to the department, the third floor and roof sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage, while the lower floors suffered extensive water damage.

"Our first responders worked tirelessly, and thankfully, no residents were injured," Mayor Jake Wilson said in a statement. "Several firefighters did suffer minor injuries, and we wish them a speedy recovery."

Wilson said city staff were working with the Red Cross to support those affected by the fire and asked residents to avoid the area while emergency crews continued their work.

The three-story building includes apartments on its upper floors and multiple businesses on the ground floor, including Teele Square Coin Laundry, Happy Crab, Masala and Bluemoon Smoke and Vape Outlets. The businesses were also impacted by the fire and resulting water damage.

The fire occurred across Broadway from a vacant property known as "The Pit," which has remained empty since another fire destroyed businesses at the site in October 2011. An eight-story, 99-room hotel is currently proposed for that property.

The cause of Wednesday's blaze has not yet been determined and is now under investigation.

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