LAWRENCE, Mass. — Firefighters in Lawrence battled a huge 5-alarm fire that damaged at least four buildings, leaving several families without homes on Sunday night.
Officials said the fire reached Saratoga Street, Bennington Street, and Myrtle Street. They closed multiple streets in the area.
Lawrence’s fire chief said no firefighters were hurt, but one woman was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries. Officials added that three buildings suffered severe damage and at a total loss.
There was a total of 26 mutual aid fire departments in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire that responded to assist with a water supply and suppression to the fire from extending to additional buildings. Damages are estimated at more than $1 million.
Lawrence’s fire chief added that the Lawrence Police Department’s drone was a great aid in helping him “see” the fire in places by being able to identify heat signatures. This allowed him to know where to best deploy firefighters.
“My aunt lost everything in this fire,” said Adriana Morales. “Everybody came out okay thankfully, material things of course not, but she and her boyfriend are okay.”
Fire officials in Woburn tweeted out that the town’s fire department was headed to Lawrence to assist in fighting the fire, as were North Andover Fire. Fire departments from Worcester and Haverhill also assisted.
The Red Cross was on scene and is currently assisting 16 people who were displaced.
The State Fire Marshal told Boston 25 the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Lawrence Fire and Police Department, along with Mass. State Police.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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