ANNE THOMPSON
Associated Press Writer
AP World Wide Photos/Michael Dwyer
A firefighter tackles a hoseline while fighting a nine-alarm fire at the Orient Heights Yacht Club in East Boston
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BOSTON (AP) -- A nine-alarm fire destroyed a yacht club Saturday, fed
by gusty winds that spread the blaze into a neighborhood where
at least five homes were damaged. Four firefighters and a resident were injured,
fire officials said.
``This is one of the most difficult and toughest fires we've had Boston in many years,'
said Boston Fire Chief Paul Christian. ``It's no secret the high
winds here today caused for a rapid spread.''
Several people were inside the wooden 2 1/2 story Orient Heights
Yacht Club when the fire broke out at about 4 p.m., but
all got out safely. At least one civilian and four firefighters were injured,
but none seriously. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Southerly gusts as strong as 50 mph blew embers and thick plumes
of smoke directly into the densely populated neighborhood, setting
fire to several houses next to the club. Three homes were severely damaged.
AP World Wide Photos/Patricia McDonnell
A firefighter, overcome by smoke, is tended to by paramedics at the scene of a nine-alarm fire that destroyed the Orient
Heights Yacht Club and damaged at least five homes
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At least 200 neighborhood residents were evacuated. Red Cross volunteers
counted at least 20 people who would need housing.
The fire also damaged the pier and several boats docked at the club's marina.
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