LAWRENCE, Mass. — Firefighters are still working to put out flames at a house on Forest Street Tuesday morning as cold weather is creating challenges.
A resident who lives on the first floor of the building told Boston 25 News she was alerted to the fire from another resident who lives on the second floor.
“No shoes, no clothes, no nothing, I go out, that’s it”- a woman describes how she and her four children escaped from this house fire in Lawrence early this morning. The story coming up live on @boston25 pic.twitter.com/IjZc7yjy9V
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) February 12, 2019
BREAKING: fire displaces 13 people from a Lawrence home. One firefighter injured on scene from a slip and fall. Cold weather causing water to freeze and make it slippery for firefighters. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/pdlE38WndT
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) February 12, 2019
The fire appeared to have started in the attic area of the 2 1/2 story house around 2:30 Tuesday morning, Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty said.
ICY CONDITIONS: The water is freezing quickly, making parts of the street like an ice rink for firefighters battling a house fire this morning in Lawrence. One firefighter was injured from a slip and fall. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/TZSKXLC2uR
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) February 12, 2019
All 13 people who lived in the building made it out of the house safely. The Red Cross said it is assisting the displaced families.
Moriarty said water runoff from the water used to fight the fire froze on the ground and caused one firefighter to slip and fall.
Moriarty said the fire appears to have been sparked by an electrical issue, possibly from an outlet, and does not appear to be suspicious, but an investigation into the official cause continues.
>> Children, single mother slept during Oxford break-in
Cox Media Group