LYNN, Mass. (WHDH) – Unattended cooking could be what sparked a massive fire at a multi-family home in Lynn that left 28 people homeless and sent one woman to the hospital with burns, according to firefighters.
Initial reports from investigators said a resident who left food cooking in a kitchen on the third floor was likely the cause of the fire that broke out on Broad Street just before 4 p.m. on Monday.
Firefighters initially began battling the fire on the roof of the 18-unit building. Firefighters later moved to the side of the building as large flames became visible on the roof. All crews were pulled from the building, according to the deputy fire chief, as firefighters began to fight an exterior operation.
Firefighters initially said no sprinklers or fire alarms were operating in the building but have since revised their statement to say at least some of the alarms may have been functional. Residents said the nearby fire hydrants were all covered in snow.
Lynn Fire Chief James McDonald said once the fire got into the walls, it erupted.
“Once it gets into the voids, it becomes a race,” said McDonald. “The fire usually wins.”
Crews from multiple towns responded to the scene. Firefighters worked well into the night on Monday, battling hotspots.
Fire officials told 7News a woman was found in her apartment and rescued by firefighters. She was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with burn injuries. She remained hospitalized Tuesday.
“Firefighters did a fantastic job getting in there, searching the apartment, getting to that resident and getting her out,” said Lynn Deputy Chief Stephen Archer.
“Everything we own is gone, up in flames,” said Bruce Conway, who lived in the building. “One minute you have what you have, then next minute it’s all gone.”
Lynn Mayor Thomas McGee says he is confident the community will come together to help those displaced by the fire.
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