LYNN — A two-alarm fire that began in the kitchen of a triple-decker home on Essex Street Monday morning was quickly extinguished, according to Fire Chief Stephen Archer.
“Our guys got in there and made a really nice stop,” said Archer. “They knocked it down very quickly before it could spread.”
At least nine engines were on the scene at 545 Essex St. by noon Monday, along with police and EMS.
Archer said the fire appeared to have started in the second-floor kitchen of the building and was contained to that area. There were no reported injuries.
Seventeen people were evacuated from the building, with many congregated outside to watch the fire crews work. Several of the displaced residents held cats in their hands with one man holding three cats wrapped in blankets.
According to Archer, six cats had been pulled out of the building. He said one cat had been put on life support and was resuscitated.
“One of the cat owners was very concerned about his cats, but we were able to rescue them,” said Archer.
Lynn resident Maritza Rodriguez, whose cousin lives in the building, rushed to the scene when she heard about the fire.
“My cousin had four daughters in the house,” said Rodriguez. “Thank god they were able to get out.”
The cause and origin of the fire is under investigation.
