Ashland apartment building likely total loss after fire, officials say

ASHLAND, Mass. — A firefighter was injured while working to extinguish an apartment fire in Ashland overnight.

The fire was reported Sunday night at the Chestnut Place apartment on Joanne Drive.

Few details have been released, but officials told Boston 25 News when they arrived at the scene, heavy smoke and flames were shooting from the second floor of the building.

Fire officials said smoke detectors were working in the building, and residents were evacuating when they arrived.

However, not everyone was getting out of the building.

“I was in there with one of the crews and we were breaking open doors with axes,” Ashland fire Lt. David Iarussi said. “We did encounter a few people that were still in their apartment on the other side of the building. There was smoke, but no fire. But we encouraged them to get out immediately”

No injuries were reported by any of the residents, but officials told Boston 25 News a firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital.

The injury is described as non-life-threatening.

In all, 39 united were affected by either smoke, flames or water, and officials said it’s likely no one will be able to return to the building.

The cause is under investigation, but official said it appeared as though the fire began in a second-floor kitchen.

No other information was released.

Cox Media Group