If battling a massive five-alarm blaze isn’t enough, over 150 Boston Firefighters had to do it in sweltering heat last Tuesday on Princeton Street.
The fire broke out last Tuesday afternoon in the rear of 316 Princeton St. but quickly spread to both 314 and 318 Princeton.
When firefighters arrived in the 90 degree humid weather they observed flames and smoke already pouring out of 316 princeton St. and already spreading to the two adjoining triple-deckers.
Firefighters immediately ordered a 4th alarm but that quickly spread to a fifth alarm.
According to the Boston Fire Department (BFD), the fire burned through 316 Princeton and spread to the rear porches of the adjoining buildings causing them to collapse .
Companies worked for hours in the heat battling the fire on all three floors of 316 Princeton as well as the other two exposure buildings.
Social media accounts of the fire show firefighters coming out of the blaze and collapsing to the ground due to the extreme heat of both the fire and weather.
“Companies not only had to battle the 5 alarm fire but they had to deal with the hot and humid weather,” said BFD Commissioner Paul Burke.
Burke was on the scene of the fire to provide logistical support to the responding companies as well as brief the media on the fire.
According to Burke, five firefighters were transported by Boston EMS with minor injuries while four others were evaluated but remained at the fire.
“Much appreciation to all the neighbors who thanked the members for their hard work and provided water and support,” said Burke. “One nice girl even baked cookies for the firefighters. It was a great job by all companies involved.”
The fire left 20 adults and 8 children displaced.