Gloucester, Massachusetts became the site of a significant emergency response yesterday afternoon when a fast-moving fire, driven by gusty winds, engulfed homes at Washington Street. First responders were on the scene at approximately 12:40 p.m., with efforts quickly escalating to a three-alarm operation. As reported by Boston 25 News, both houses endured serious damage, and power was cut to those buildings as well as the surrounding area to ensure safety.
The intense blaze was further complicated by the local weather conditions. Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith highlighted the difficulties faced by the fire teams, stating, "The wind was certainly a contributing factor to this," in an interview obtained by NBC Boston. The fire departments dispatched multiple engines and ladder trucks, and mutual aid was received from several neighboring towns.
In the aftermath, 14 individuals from both residences found themselves without a home, requiring assistance from the Red Cross. Residents from 84 Washington Street and nine from 86 Washington Street were affected by the fire. Crews remained on site to monitor for hot spots and secure the area. A board-up crew was also present to address immediate structural concerns and provide fire watch overnight.
The fire’s impact extended beyond property damage. Gloucester police enacted road closures around the affected area, advising the public to avoid the location and planning to reopen the streets as soon as possible. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, no physical harm was reported to the residents.
