Photo: Shari Small/WBZ NewsRadio
LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A five-alarm fire in Lawrence burned five multi-family structures overnight, and at least two buildings are a total loss.
Lawrence Fire Chief Patrick Delaney said at least 20 residents were displaced, and are being helped by the Red Cross and the city, according to Mayor Brian DePeña.
The fire was first reported at 324 Lowell St. on Tuesday night, and quickly spread, lasting until Wednesday morning.
“It was devastating, especially for the families that lost their houses,” said Julio, a resident who lives nearby.
The blaze also burned La Nueva Fogata, a restaurant on the first floor of one of the buildings.
Delaney said the heat and humidity made the smoke from the fire even worse, and some fire firefighters had to be treated for heat exhaustion.
“I hope nobody was hurt,” said Gene, who works for a property management company that manages a building near the site of the fire.
That building was untouched by the fire, but Gene said the basement was flooded due to runoff from the fire hoses.
Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.
WBZ’s Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.