LYNN — The Monday morning fire at 145 Lewis St. that left 70 to 80 residents homeless “was intentionally set,” fire officials said Wednesday.
State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and Fire Chief James McDonald in a statement said information that helps solve the case could trigger a reward of up to $5,000.
McDonald said the fire started in the 25-unit apartment building’s rear stairwell area. Hours after firefighters extinguished the blaze, McDonald labeled it suspicious. On Thursday, he explained that firefighters arrived in a short period of time at the fire scene and found fire engulfing 145 Lewis.
“The amount of fire on arrival sends up a red flag,” McDonald said.
More than 70 firefighters from Lynn and eight other departments fought the fire as residents fled down fire escapes and out the building’s front door.
No one was seriously hurt in the fire, but city officials declared the three-story building unsafe Monday afternoon and said it needs to be torn down.
McDonald said investigators are poring over 145 Lewis’ building history as part of their arson probe, including a trash fire tenants said broke out in a rear first-floor hallway about two weeks ago.
“It is sure being looked at as part of the investigation. They definitely took that into account,” he said.
Anyone with information on the fire is urged to call the Arson Hotline, 1-800-682-9229. The line is active 24 hours a day, every day, and reward money is provided through the insurance industry.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy on Thursday said about 20 residents still need housing.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].
