Dozens displaced after 9-alarm Allston fire rips through apartment building

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- More than 50 people have been displaced after a 9-alarm fire in Allston broke out Wednesday evening, causing roughly $2 million in damage

The Boston Fire Department responded to the fire at a three-story brick apartment building on Harvard Terrace just after 5:45 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters ordered  a second alarm.

Intense smoke billowed out onto the street, and flames could be seen shooting from the apartment, destroying the building's rear porch.

By 6:30 p.m., the  fire had reached five alarms. One firefighter was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. By 6:40 p.m., the fire was through the roof, and firefighters were battling the blaze from outside only.

Firefighters then struck a sixth and seventh alarm, as a safety zone was established after concerns arose that the building could collapse.

In total, nine alarms were called and the fire was contained roughly two hours after it started. Fire crews stayed on scene overnight to contain any hot spots that might have popped up.

Two firefighters were hospitalized, one for a shoulder injury and one for smoke inhalation. Three others were treated at the scene. No injuries were reported to residents, but two bystanders were treated for minor injuries.

Fire Commissioner Joe Finn said the fire began at the rear of the building and spread to its roof. He said two adjacent buildings had smoke and water damage. About 54 residents have been displaced.

Heavy smoke spread over the area for a time, and traffic was kept away.

There was no word on what caused the fire.

This is a developing story. Stick with myfoxboston.com for more details as they become available.

Cox Media Group