Crime & Safety
Back Bay Fire Causes $2.5M in Damage, Mayor Walsh Supports First Responders
The fire was reported to be in a residential building near Beacon Street Saturday afternoon.
The Boston Fire Department responded to a heavy five-alarm fire in a residential brick building on Massachusetts Avenue in Back Bay Saturday afternoon that resulted in approximately $2.5 million in damage.
Fire was reported coming out of the fifth floor windows in an eight-story residential brick building in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Beacon Street Saturday. One firefighter sustained a minor injury; no civilian injuries were reported.
The fire, which prompted Massachusetts State Police traffic control to close off the Mass. Ave. bridge between Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street, was deemed under control shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday.
Mayor Marty Walsh stopped by the scene to offer support to first responders, and the Boston Sparks A-10 Canteen Team was on scene as well, offering water and coffee.
The Boston Fire Department tweeted photos from the scene.
Updates
4:13 p.m. - The Boston Fire Department estimated Saturday that the fire in Back Bay caused approximately $2,500,000 worth of damage. There were 30 apartments in the building, with six in the basement and four per floor from the first floor to the sixth, according to the Boston Fire Department. Mayor Marty Walsh also stopped by the scene Saturday and offered support to first responders. The Boston Sparks A-10 Canteen Team was on scene Saturday as well, offering water and coffee.3:54 p.m. - The fire is reportedly under control; crews have requested four engines and two trucks for fire watch detail.
3:43 p.m. - State police are reporting additional detours off Memorial Drive and Back Street at Charlesgate East. Drivers are asked to seek alt routes.
3:38 p.m. - Massachusetts State Police is assisting with traffic control while crews battle the blaze, and troopers are closing off the Mass. Ave. bridge between Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street. Detours are being established at Marlboro Street for traffic traveling from Cambridge.
3:17 p.m. - The fire has been upgraded to five alarms, and one firefighter has been treated and transported by Boston Emergency Medical Services for minor injury. There are no reported civilian injuries as of Saturday afternoon, according to the Boston Fire Department. Heavy fire has been knocked down.
3:09 p.m. - The fifth and sixth floors of the building are reportedly compromised with fire extending into the penthouse. Crews are on scene, and those in the area are asked to proceed with caution.
2:56 p.m. - The fire has reportedly extended into the sixth floor of the building with multiple lines from ladders on scene.
2:45 p.m. - The fire has been upgraded from three to four alarms with heavy fire reportedly extending of the building's windows.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
