Winter Weather Hampers Massachusetts Firefighters

NEWTON, Mass. --

The extreme cold weather caused problems at a fire in Newton, Mass., Thursday morning.

Firefighters battling the blaze at 448 Woodward St. were hampered by a frozen hydrant and slippery conditions, Fire Chief Joe LaCroix said.

Sand was spread outside the 2-and-a-half story home to help prevent injuries to the firefighters.

Nine college students who had been at the home for a New Year's Eve party escaped safely into the frigid temperatures.

An initial inspection by Newton firefighters showed the fire began in the basement and spread to the first floor.

LaCroix struck a third-alarm, calling for mutual aid so members of his department could get some relief from the severe conditions.