2 fires in Southbridge under investigation

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. — The state fire marshal is investigating a Southbridge fire that displaced at least a dozen residents and damaged several shops Sunday afternoon.

The fire started around 2 p.m., engulfing a building on Central and Main streets.

Fire Chief Mark DiFronzo said Sunday night arson had not been ruled out.

More than 15 fire departments assisted Southbridge in battling the five-alarm blaze that tore through the brick building, sending black smoke billowing streets away and closing two downtown streets for hours.

Crews rescued one man from his apartment, and a few fire fighters were treated for heat exhaustion. Everyone is expected to be okay.

Maria Colon, who has owned Mane Creations for 30 years, told FOX25's Christine McCarthy she lost everything in her salon.

"We are totally, totally devastated," Colon said. "They came in and they told me that I had to get out, that there was a fire in the alley. So I just ran out, because they said you have to get out right now."

The American Red Cross offered food, water and shelter to the displaced.

Shortly before 8 p.m., another fire broke out in Southbridge, a half-mile from the first scene, displacing 10 families, DiFronzo said.

The back porches caught fire, sending flames shooting through the roof of the three-story residential building.

Smoking is being looked at as a possible cause for the fire.

The State Fire Marshal's Office told FOX25's Michael Henrich that the two fires are not being looked at for possible connections.

Cox Media Group