SOMERVILLE, Mass.- A five-alarm building fire in Somerville displaced 43 residents and caused heavy fire, smoke, and water damage, according to the Somerville Fire Department.
The fire was reported at 4:50 p.m. September 30 after firefighters at the Teele Square station heard a fire alarm sounding across the street and saw smoke coming from the third floor.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy flames above the third-floor ceiling. The fire spread through an open space beneath the roof, extending across the buildings at 1137 to 1147 Broadway.
Five aerial ladders were used to reach the roof, allowing firefighters to release smoke, open the roof and reach the flames.
Five alarms were needed to bring the fire under control. Fire departments from Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Belmont, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere and Watertown responded to assist.
All occupants were able to evacuate safely. Several firefighters suffered minor injuries. At least two cats were also found and brought to safety.
The third floor and roof sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage. The lower floors sustained extensive water damage.
A total of 43 residents were displaced and are receiving assistance. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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