On July 21, 2016, Boston Ladder-3 responded for a building fire on Bunker Hill Street. They reported heavy fire, from what appeared to be the rear porches of the building. Ladder-9 arrived and requested a second alarm, reporting heavy fire on three floors. Shortly after, a third alarm was requested. The fire, which apparently started in the rear of a four-story brick and wood duplex occupied dwelling extended to a three-unit apartment building that was adjacent, as well as another dwelling. Large embers floated through the dense neighborhood, prompting some residents to take garden hoses to their homes. A dwelling 200 yards from the fire building, caught fire from the embers. Firefighters also battled extreme ambient heat, and five firefighters were transported. Several handlines were laid up and over ladders to battle the fire from the roofs of the adjacent buildings. Multiple large handlines and ladder pipes worked the rear of the building, knocking down heavy overlapping fire. The fire ultimately went to six alarms, bringing several mutual aid companies, in addition to the large Boston Fire Department response. Rehab was provided by the Boston Sparks Association A-10, and the American Red Cross. Numerous Charlestown residents came out and provided firefighters and other first responders with water and other food and snacks. Firefighters remained on-scene throughout the night.
– Fire News photos by Pat Travers, Owen Carrigan and Bill Noonan
