LYNN — A two-alarm fire broke out at 77-79 Chestnut St. Monday morning, leaving a five-unit home uninhabitable for 11 adults and seven children.
The fire spread to 73 Chestnut St., which resulted in external damage to the adjacent house.
Lynn Fire District Chief Joseph Zukas said the department received multiple 911 calls at 10:40 a.m. and arrived at the scene at 10:44 a.m. He said members of the Peabody, Saugus, Chelsea, Melrose, Salem and Marblehead fire departments were also at the scene.
“The fire started on the rear porch of the building and then (spread) to the rest of the house,” Zukas said. “We managed to knock it down and then fought on the inside.”
The Lynn Fire Investigation Unit is looking into the cause of the fire.
Eleven residents in the house were evacuated with help from two police officers. Seven residents were not home at the time.
According to Zukas, the two police officers refused treatment after inhaling smoke. None of the residents were injured.
Daniel Russo, who lives on the second floor, said he smelled smoke after returning from work early that morning.
“At first, I thought it was incense,” Russo said. “Then I smelled something awful and it was smoke. The first thing I did was grab my family and get out of there.”
Joshua Fields, who lives at 79 Chestnut St., said that he, his significant other, his son and his dog evacuated their house after noticing the fire.
“I was in the back cooking something and then I smelled smoke,” Fields said. “I saw the fire on the third floor and I got everyone out when the alarm went off.”
Zukas estimates the damages will cost $100,000. He said the 18 residents at 77-79 Chestnut St. will have to seek assistance from family, friends or the Red Cross.
The residents of 73 Chestnut St, however, may be able to enter their house again pending review by the Lynn Inspectional Services Department, according to Zukas.
“I hope my house will be salvageable,” Fields said. “It’s a good thing I got out of there.”
