Early yesterday morning, Cambridge Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire at a multi-family home on Kirkland Street. The operation included a dramatic third-floor rescue of a trapped individual, as reported by NBC Boston. The fire, which began just before midnight, prompted several 911 calls and a swift reaction from local firefighters.
Despite a punishing 15 degrees temperature complemented by a biting one degree wind chill, the fire brigade successfully contained and extinguished the blaze. In a statement obtained by WCVB, officials cited the difficulty of the conditions under which firefighters from 6 engines, 4 ladders, 3 squads, and the rescue company worked. Their efforts not only saved an occupant's life but also a cat, which was later revived by medics.
As an additional layer of support, fire crews from neighboring Somerville, Brookline, Belmont, and Arlington, as well as volunteer firefighters from Boston Sparks, contributed to the firefighting and rehab efforts. MBTA provided warm buses to serve as temporary shelter for the displaced residents, who were forced to evacuate their homes in the wake of the fire.
According to WCVB and NBC Boston reports, the cause of the fire is under investigation, with officials particularly cautious about any remaining risks. In a coordinated effort, police officers from Cambridge and Somerville, alongside tech service units from the Cambridge Fire Department, ensured public safety and operational efficiency in the face of severe weather and logistical challenges.
