Multi-alarm fire destroys apartment complex in Salem

SALEM, Mass. — Firefighters in Salem faced more than just the challenge of putting out a fire this morning.

With temperatures in the 20s, firefighters worked hard to put out a blaze that struck a fourth alarm Saturday morning.

Fire officials responded to a call just after 6 a.m. for a house fire on 12 Lynde Street.

According to Salem firefighters, the fire started at around 5:45 a.m. when a resident woke up to the smell of smoke. The resident said he found the fire in the left rear of the building and tried to extinguish it before calling 911.

"One of the residents actually woke up and found the fire and tried fighting the fire with an extinguisher," Salem Fire Lietuenant Peter Schaeublin said. "He tried with two different extinguishers to no avail, called 911, he assisted in getting people out of the building."

After calling for help, he went knocking on his neighbor's doors making sure everyone got out safely.

Fire officials say the structure's older balloon frame construction caused the flames in just seconds, and said the active smoke detectors alerted sleeping residents.

“I think it’s pretty obvious what could have happened if smoke detectors weren’t active in that building, no one’s going to be warned of the danger and we could’ve had a very different result so I’m very happy to say everyone go out safely," said Salem Fire Lieutenant Peter Schaeublin.

An injured firefighter was taken to a local hospital, but no other injuries have been reported. All occupants of the building made it out safely.

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As of 7 a.m., a fourth alarm was struck for the fire.

Around 7:30 a.m., Salem Police temporarily closed down the area between Federal and Washington streets due to the fire. Drivers were asked to exercise extra caution when driving near the area since lights might not be working.

According to the fire marshal, the apartment complex, home to 12 units, is most likely a total loss. The fire was tough to put out due to the building's old wooded structure.

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents in finding temporary housing.

"We had quite a few people that were a little bit on edge, which is to be expected as this incident of this magnitude," Red Cross volunteer Ryan Tesh said. "We tried our best to be comforting and see what their needs are."

Cox Media Group