March 04--A long-abandoned duplex in Dudley Square was reduced to rubble and ashes yesterday morning in a seven-alarm predawn fire, Boston firefighters said.
The blaze on Warren Street was "a roaring inferno," Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said. The three-story building fell hard after going up in flames at 4:15 a.m. More than 140 Boston firefighters responded.
"It was heavy fire on arrival," MacDonald said. "It went right to a second and third alarm. It was a roaring inferno. The building collapsed very early on from the sheer volume of fire."
One firefighter had a back injury and another a hurt shoulder, MacDonald said.
"We're not aware of anyone living in there," MacDonald said. Of the cause, he said, "It's still early in the investigation. Nothing's been ruled in or out."
Four adults and one child were displaced from an adjacent home that incurred water damage. They were assisted by the American Red Cross.
The real estate loss was estimated at $1 million, MacDonald said. City records show the building had a property tax debt of $4,730.
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