Two firefighters had to be rescued from a four-alarm fire in Waltham yesterday morning that torched two businesses causing $2 million in damage.
Sal's Family Restaurant, a fixture in Waltham for more than 40 years, and California Convenience store lay in ruins yesterday afternoon, with burned waste and ashes littering Main Street just before Newton Street. Both businesses were located within the same building.
Waltham Fire Chief Richard Cardillo said the cause of the fire has yet to be determined. "What we're assuming is this started as a cellar fire," he said.
"This was a pretty severe fire," Cardillo added. "I attended this restaurant as a kid."
According to Cardillo, Waltham firefighters were called to the blaze at 5:33 a.m. About 10 minutes into battling the fire, the first floor of the building collapsed and two firefighters fell through.
Firefighter Dwight Anderson was lowered through the fallen floor to rescue his comrades, Cardillo said. "I want to commend all of the men but I'd like to single out (Anderson) in his efforts."
The two firefighters that fell through the floor and one firefighter assisting in their rescue suffered minor injuries. They were treated and released from Newton-Wellesly Hospital.
Sal Pinzone, 79, who ran the family-owned eatery said he and his son, Michael Pinzone, talked about starting over yesterday as the ashes still smoldered.
"I'd love to help him rebuild," he said. "If we have the opportunity, I'd love to."
Republished with permission from The Boston Herald
