Feb. 12--Some 120 firefighters have been battling a four-alarm conflagration in a one-story, brick strip mall on Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brighton approximately one mile from the campus of Boston College that has already destroyed four businesses, including a caterer, cleaning supply company, a Laundromat and pizza parlor, officials said.
The blaze started near the pizzaria in frigid single-digit temperatures and was still burning five hours after it was called in just after 5:45 a.m., said Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald. Its cause is yet unknown.
MacDonald said initial damage estimates could exceed $4 million.
"The building's completely destroyed and in all probability will be torn down. The roof is collapsed in," MacDonald said.
Firefighters have been utilizing video of the scene transmitted from a state police helicopter to help plan their exterior attack of the flames. "It's been a helpful tool to have all day," MacDonald said.
Two firefighters have suffered non-life-threatening injuries -- one for his shoulder, the other for an eye.
Upon arrival, first responders "had heavy smoke and the chief automatically ordered a second alarm to get more manpower there. The fire was going pretty well up in the roof area," MacDonald said.
Traffic has been banned from South Street to Brighton Center, he said
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