A 5-alarm fire late Monday night destroyed a multi-family home on the corner of Sumner and Orleans Streets just across the street from Zumix, which, in an ironic twist, was once a Boston Firehouse. The fire caused approximately $600,000 worth of damage and displaced 21 residents from the home and adjoining homes on Sumner and Orleans.
Two people had to be treated at Mass general for smoke inhalation.
The first alarm came into Engine 9 and Ladder 2 Firehouse less than 50 yards down the street from 239 Sumner St. around 11:30 p.m.
In less than an hour the chief ordered a 2nd, 3rd and then 5th alarm as the blaze quickly spread through the very large wood-frame building. On arrival Engine 5 reported heavy fire and smoke on the third floor of the home and Tower Ladder 17 arrived to begin battle the inferno from the top.
The fire began to spread and threatened homes at 265-269 Sumner St. and 43-45 Orleans St. and brought Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser to the scene as well as whole host of emergency preparedness officials. Residents from adjacent homes had to be evacuated.
Representative from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, The American Red Cross and Salvation Army were also on hand to help victims following the disaster.
It took close to three hours for firefighters to finally get the blaze under control.
Boston Fire Department spokesman said the fire is still under investigation.