Bricks tumbled off a long-vacant Chelsea building onto Washington Avenue on Monday evening, scattering across the sidewalk and forcing firefighters and city crews to rope off the area. The Chelsea Fire Department said crews cleared loose masonry and secured the scene, and officials reported no injuries.
Crews cordoned off the block
About a dozen bricks reportedly crashed down from the facade onto Washington Avenue, according to WHDH. Firefighters and city crews cordoned off the sidewalk so they could safely pull down additional loose masonry and work to make the spot safe. The station reported that the structure appeared to be vacant.
Building was damaged in a January blaze
The same building was badly damaged in a Jan. 8 fire that displaced roughly 30 residents, according to the Chelsea Record. Local coverage notes the property has remained empty since that blaze.
Why falling masonry matters
Falling bricks are a well-known hazard on aging building facades. Similar incidents in Boston have prompted building inspectors and fire crews to throw up barriers and assess structural safety, as reported by the Boston Globe.
This is a developing story, and we will update as officials release more details.
