Aaron Curtis
The Sun, Lowell, Mass.
(TNS)
Nov. 9—LOWELL — What began as reports of smoke emitting from a commercial building in the city's Acre neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon erupted into a three-alarm inferno that laid waste to the structure.
No injuries were caused by the blaze on Broadway Street, which is under investigation, Lowell Fire Chief Phillip Charron said from the scene on Wednesday night.
Firefighters first received a report of a possible structure fire at 700 Broadway St., shortly before 2:30 p.m. The address includes a single-story commercial building attached to another two-story commercial section.
Charron said there were two people inside the building who were able to safely evacuate before firefighters arrived on scene.
"This fire presented initially with just a smoke condition," Charron said. "The companies went inside, and it turned ugly on them very fast. The heat dropped them right down to the floor and then it eventually flashed."
Firefighters were forced to retreat from the building's interior and attack the flames from the outside.
Walter Longley, who lives across the street from 700 Broadway St., on Madonna Circle, said he witnessed the smoke pouring out of the building, before hearing what he described as a "bang."
"Then it just erupted in flames," Longley said. "It was ablaze."
People from all over the city, and as far away as Salem, N.H., reported on social media that they could see the heavy smoke rising from the burning structure.
Longley said when he looked out the windows of his apartment — located a few hundred yards from the blazing building — all he could see was a wall of smoke.
"It was difficult to breathe," Longley said. "I ended up putting a mask on."
Longley complimented the bravery displayed by the firefighters.
"They showed a lot of guts," he said. "When this thing erupted, they were right in front, and when it erupted, it was bigtime."
Charron said one firefighter was evaluated on scene, but did not require a trip to the hospital.
Shortly before 6 p.m., Charron announced the fire was under control and that crews on scene were conducting an overhaul of the building.
With the fire out, the majority of the building appeared to have been reduced to mostly rubble. Charron said a brick wall making up a section of the building's front, which was standing at a precarious angle, would be knocked down for safety reasons.
Firefighters were expected to remain on scene overnight to keep an eye on the scorched structure.
The cause of the fire, and where it began, was unknown as of Wednesday night. Charron said an investigation of the scene is expected to last into the morning hours on Thursday.
Charron added it is not immediately clear what businesses occupy the building. A sign on the building's exterior stated Don Kennett Inc. Auto Body Supplies, though it is unclear if they were still based at that address. The Brothers Auto Group is located at 700 Broadway St., according to the business' website.
Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis
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