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LOWELL, Mass. (AP) -- Lowell firefighters battled a five-alarm blaze Monday night in a mill building on the outskirts of the city's downtown area, causing a power outage nearby, but no serious injuries.
The fire was contained to the old brick structure that housed several businesses, officials said.
Fire Chief William Desrosiers said the blaze spread quickly on the roof, which collapsed. It was complicated by exploding acetylene tanks inside an auto repair shop in the structure. He said Monday night's rainy conditions helped keep embers from spreading the fire.
Massachusetts Electric spokeswoman Debbie Drew said one of the power company's primary lines was destroyed by flames, leaving about 700 customers surrounding the mill area without power.
Drew said it was expected that at least half of those affected would be back on line late Monday night.
