Photos/Story By Dennis Leger

This rare 3-alarm fire on March 7, 2002 left 10 families homeless. The first arriving companies reported a fully involved structure at 08:28. A second alarm was sounded at 08:30.

The six family at 20 Quebec St in the Indian Orchard section of the city quickly spread to the 3 family homes on both sides, the distance between these structures also posed a problem leaving firefighters no room to operate.

The low water pressure in that section of the city posed a problem to the second alarm companies. Some hydrants had broken operating nuts, A third alarm was sounded at 09:15 for fire crews to seek alternate hydrants some distance from the fire scene.

Fire Lt. William Accorsi Suffered some minor burns to his neck, there were no other injuries to fire personnel or civilians.

One family dog named Sammy and one cat named Mischief perished in the blaze.

The fire started outside under the rear porches, the Ignition source is still undetermined.

The Springfield Arson And Bomb Squad is still investigating this fire.