Lynn fire leaves nine homeless

LYNN – An East Lynn building is “uninhabitable but certainly repairable,” said a city inspector following an early Tuesday morning fire that left nine residents homeless.Firefighters responding to a 1:49 a.m. call about a fire at 34 Howard St. spotted flames on one of the building’s exterior side walls. District Fire Chief Timothy Collier said a woman inside the building cut one of her hands climbing out a window.She was taken to Union Hospital by emergency medical workers and Collier said a firefighter sustained a slight leg injury but remained at the fire scene. Howard Street runs off Chestnut Street and parallels the commuter rail tracks.District Chief Stephen Archer said an initial investigation determined the fire started accidentally.He said fire incident commander John Barry declared a working fire at 1:54 a.m. and Collier said Engine 1, 5 and 10 and Ladder 1 and 4 fire crews put out the fire by 3:21 a.m.Chief City Inspector Roger Ennis said the fire damaged two bathrooms located near the exterior wall where firefighters spotted flames. The building’s interior sustained smoke and water damage with water pooled in 34 Howard’s basement.Ennis said the building is posted for restricted access for safety reasons, but said work crews will be allowed to dry out the building’s interior, move out damaged items and start repairs.Red Cross spokeswoman Ashley Studley said hotel arrangements were made for the nine residents and said they were given money to cover immediate needs.