SALISBURY, Mass. — The Red Cross is helping 24 families search for new places to live after a massive nine-alarm fire in Salisbury.
The fire on Central Avenue was first reported around 1:47 a.m. by a MassDOT employee who called 9-1-1 after observing smoke and flames.
Hurricane force winds fanned the flames that destroyed Michael’s Oceanfront Motel, a 12 unit apartment building and three homes.
Several other residential buildings were damaged by heat, smoke and water.
“I’ve never seen anything like that in my lifetime,” said displaced resident David Daneau. “I went outside, and the flames were just enormous. It was crazy.”
Neighbors helped to alert each other to the fast moving flames by pounding on doors.
“They were trying to knock it down, and it kept coming. The wind kept coming, and sparks were flying everywhere,” said displaced resident Emily Smith.
More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene and contained the fire before it spread any further.
A total of 36 people were displaced.
“It’s devastating to rebuild your life,” said Jeff Hall with the Red Cross. “A home fire is your own personal major disaster. Everything changes.”
No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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