LYNN — Officials believe the improper disposal of smoking materials sparked an Allerton Street blaze Tuesday evening that displaced nine people and caused ‘catastrophic’ damage to the building, the department of fire services said Thursday.
Firefighters responded to 44 Allerton St. at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday and found heavy smoke and flames showing from the two-family home, said Lynn Fire Chief Stephen L. Archer and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey in a joint statement. Companies quickly struck a second alarm and firefighters reported low water pressure, which hindered the response.
The two-and-a-half story wood frame home suffered “catastrophic” damage, the statement said. At one point, companies were pulled out of the building by incident commander District Chief Mike McBride because the roof started to collapse into the building. Firefighters battled the blaze for four hours, according to District Chief Joseph Zukas.
“This fire began outside the building and grew significantly before smoke alarms inside detected it,” said Archer. “This is a scenario we see too often when cigarettes and other materials are discarded unsafely from outdoor stairways, porches, and balconies. If you smoke, or if you have guests who do, please — use a deep, sturdy ashtray with water or sand and put it out, all the way, every time.”
Two people, including a police sergeant and a neighbor who attempted to warn residents of the blaze, were treated for minor injuries, according to Zukas.
“The improper disposal of smoking materials is a leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts and the nation,” said Ostroskey. “Fortunately, this fire caused only minor injuries, but nine people lost their home. If it had happened a few hours later, the tragedy might have been devastating.”
The fire began at the left rear of the first floor of the building before spreading upward along the exterior of the structure and into the attic.
Archer and Ostroskey reminded residents that most of Massachusetts remains in critical drought status, meaning that outdoor fires will start, grow, and spread more easily.
“It’s important that everyone in the community use caution and common sense with any open flame outside, including smoking materials,” said Archer. “Dry grass, mulch, and debris can ignite easily in these conditions.”
Charlie McKenna can be reached at [email protected].
