Firefighters brave freezing temps to extinguish stubborn Cambridge blaze

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (WHDH) - Cambridge firefighters braved frigid conditions while battling a raging, four-alarm blaze that scorched two buildings and displaced as many as 20 people on Monday morning.

Crews responding to a reported structure fire at the corner of Cambridge and Hunting streets found flames and smoke pouring from an apartment building.

A preliminary investigation suggests the fire originated in the basement of the building and raced up to the third floor before spreading to an adjacent multi-purpose building, according to Acting Cambridge Fire Chief Gerry Mahoney.

Although firefighters immediately began searching the two buildings for occupants, they were ordered to evacuate due to safety concerns.

“Firefighters want to go inside to put the fire out and in conditions like this, you have to pull everybody out because the safety of the firefighters is number one,” Mahoney said.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury.

According to Mahoney, the buildings’ occupants told fire officials that everyone who was inside made it out safely.

No civilian injuries were reported.

Displaced residents are being asked to check in at the Frisoli Youth Center on Willow Street.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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