Firefighters working on a tight street and a 10-degree wind chill are in defense mode as they try to tame a four-alarm fire on Hunting Street in Cambridge that enveloped homes in a blanket of black smoke and sealed cars with a coating of ice.
The stubborn blaze broke out well before dawn Monday near the South Street Farm in Somerville.
Officials said 19 people were displaced and one cat was rescued.
The extensive damage has been contained to a residential structure that neighbors said has been under construction and an adjoining brick building on Cambridge Street that houses two restaurants, including the Portuguese eatery Sunset Cafe.
The Cambridge Fire Department said no serious injuries have been reported.
Michael Down, 54, lives directly across the street on Hunting and said he first spotted trouble at 5:45 a.m.
“There was just a little smoke and then it just ignited,” said Down, whose home lost power soon afterward.
“All the people were out. I think they’re just containing it now best they can. It’s beyond saving.”
Down said it appeared at least a couple of his neighbors were treated for smoke inhalation.
Acting Cambridge Fire Chief Gerry Mahoney said the battle is going to be a long one. He said the fire was first reported at 5:41 a.m.
“Upon arrival there was heavy smoke coming from the building at 6 Hunting St. from the third floor and the eaves up under the roof. Upon investigation they found the fire was in the first floor or basement area, I believe.
“The fire rapidly spread,” Mahoney said. “We tried to make an aggressive interior attack, got everybody out.’
Mahoney said nine families – a total of 19 residents – were driven out. One firefighter received stitches for a hand injury.
“It’s going to be a protracted operation,” he said. “We’ve got heavy fire throughout two buildings. We were hampered by the ice, the cold weather.”
In addition, Mahoney said both buildings have undergone extensive renovations, including one wood-frame with a brick veneer.
“They’re kind of chopped up inside, which made it difficult to get to the seat of the fire,” he said.
Engine and ladder companies from Boston, Brookline, Somerville, Waltham, Belmont and Arlington provided mutual aid.
“Both buildings are probably eventually going to have to come down,” Mahoney said. “I’d say they’re a total loss.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Cambridge Fire Department and state Fire Marshal’s Office.
“My understanding is there’s been some ongoing renovations in one of the buildings,” Mahoney said, “but I’m not going to speculate as to cause or origin at this point.”
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