BOSTON (WHDH) - More than 30 people were displaced after a three-alarm fire tore through a triple-decker in East Boston Wednesday morning.
The fire broke out on Saratoga Street around 7 a.m. and spread from one building to another, according to the Boston Fire Department.
Later speaking with 7NEWS, one man said he had been sleeping when he heard alarms going off in his building. He said he saw people jumping out the back of the home.
“There were people trying to escape out of the third floor,” said Hugh MacIssac, another witness. “There was smoke pouring out of the third floor and dropping people, children, out of the third floor onto the floors below.”
Fire officials said one firefighter was taken to the hospital and was expected to be okay as of Wednesday afternoon.
Officials said crews also rescued several cats, with 7NEWS spotting one firefighter carrying one cat out of the fire and handing it to a man waiting anxiously nearby.
As the response continued, some of the people who were displaced were sitting on the sidewalk and trying to get help from the Red Cross.
Some were able to retrieve salvaged belongings
While many residents said most of their belongings were burned, they said they are glad they’re safe.
The Red Cross of Massachusetts discussed its response to the East Boston fire in a statement Wednesday, saying it was meeting with people forced out of their homes.
Officials said they were providing water and snacks and discussing needs for follow up services with clients.
Board-up crews were at work on Saratoga Street around 12 p.m., where several windows were blown out at the site of Wednesday morning’s fire.
An MBTA bus was also parked in the area letting displaced people sit inside.
Board-up crews had later left the scene as of 6 p.m.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Those looking to support the displaced families can donate new and gently used clothing of all sizes, baby formula, diapers and wipes for nine children from 8 months old to 15 years. Donations can be dropped off at Salesians Boys and Girls Club at 150 Byron Street in Boston, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and BCYF Paris Street in East Boston Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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