High temps force extra manpower at Dot blaze
Firefighters battled blazing heat, striking five alarms to bring on manpower, as a fire tore up the backside of a three-decker in Dorchester and spread to neighbors on each side before crews could get it under control Sunday.
Thirty residents were displaced by the blaze on Quincy Street that broke out about 3:45 p.m.
“They were able to rotate companies to keep fresh firefighters to fight the fire,” Boston fire spokesman Brian Alkins told the Herald. “Heat and humidity was a factor, but by ordering the multiple alarms, we’ve got enough personnel here to rotate them.”
Heavy fire had engulfed the rear of the residence by the time firefighters arrived, and a fifth alarm was struck, Alkins said.
About 75 firefighters battled the blaze, which later spread to adjacent threedecker homes, Alkins said, adding that one firefighter was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries.
Erin Serino, deputy chief of staff for Boston EMS, said three people were transported to local hospitals. Two individuals were evaluated on scene but refused transport, Boston EMS said.
Alkins said the sweltering heat — with temperatures reaching into the upper 90s Sunday afternoon — was a factor in Boston fire’s command staff to order the multiple alarms.
Alkins said two homes behind the Quincy Street buildings had heat exposure that melted the exterior siding.
Firefighters remained on scene to check for hot spots. An investigation into the cause of the fire remains underway, which officials said caused about $400,000 in damages.
Alkins said displaced residents will receive assistance from the mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Service and the Red Cross.