LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - Crews battled a massive fire at a home in Lawrence early Thursday morning as flames tore through six buildings.
The first call about the fire on Summer Street came in just after 2 a.m. First reports said there was some sort of explosion in an abandoned building at 29 Summer St., causing the fire.
Everyone inside the building made it out safely. At least 53 people have been displaced. A shelter has been set up for the residents.
Surrounding buildings sustained significant damage. At least three of the six buildings are uninhabitable and are expected to be torn down. Damage has been estimated at $1 million.
One firefighter fell and twisted his ankle and was transported to a hospital. A second firefighter was also injured.
Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera said the city has been working to get the owner of the vacant building to tear it down, calling it a “problem property.” The property owner was in housing court Thursday, where a judge ordered him to secure the property and tear down the abandoned building within the next week. The city is also asking for $3,500 in unpaid fees.
The state fire marshal’s office is now on scene. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
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