The Salem Fire Department battled a massive blaze that tore through five buildings on Hancock Street Monday afternoon.
Fire crews worked to control the blaze as strong winds fanned the flames causing the original fire to spread to adjacent properties.
Salem fire officials said the fire traveled very quickly and the wind has hampered their operations by making it difficult to get at the seat of the fire, CBS 4 Boston reported.
While battling the blaze, firefighters encountered a flashover in one of the structures and had to evacuate before crews switched to defensive operations.
Fire officials believe all occupants were able to safely escape the structures, but some pets were still unaccounted for.
