MATTAPAN, Mass — Around two dozen people living in a three-story home in Mattapan are displaced, while three residents and two firefighters were hospitalized, after a “hot, fast-moving” fire tore through the structure Sunday, according to Boston fire officials.
Police arrived at 571 Cummins Highway Sunday afternoon to find the back of the building engulfed in flames, sending black smoke billowing out over the neighborhood.
All the residents of the building were safely out of the building by the time fire crews arrived at the scene. Crews battled the intense flames for 30 minutes before they could get the fire under control. The back of the building was left blackened, with charred wood the only remnants of three back porches.
Linton Blake was outside enjoying a sunny Sunday when he sprang into action. Blake ran across the street to the building, going door-to-door ringing doorbells to ensure everyone got out safely.
“All I see is fire blazing from the back of the house,” Blake told Boston 25 News. “That’s the first thing I thought about just leave my stuff run across the street make sure everybody is out that building that was the main mission right there.”
He said he specifically wanted to help his friend who lives with his brand-new baby in the triple-decker.
“He came downstairs with the newborn, but he also has other kids so I am like where is your other kids so I am like ‘give me the newborn baby’ and he ran back upstairs and got his other 2 kids,” Blake said.
Although they believe the blaze began in the back of the home, fire officials do not yet know the exact cause of the fire. Up to 25 people lived in the building, according to Boston Deputy Fire Chief Brian Tully.
Three residents and two firefighters sustained minor injuries in the fire.
The building is not livable at this time and the Red Cross is assisting residents.
“It is a good thing that everybody got out because if this was like in the dead of night it could have been a lot worse,” said Tully.
Deputy Chief Tully briefs the media on the 2 alarm Fire on Cummings Hwy . 3 residents and 2 firefighters transported @BOSTON_EMS with minor injuries . 25 residents were displaced the @RedCrossMA to help with housing. pic.twitter.com/bSLijgZ9g9
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) June 12, 2023
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