GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Firefighters rushed to rescue people from a raging fire in Gloucester that injured some residents and some members of the rescue response late Saturday night.
Gloucester firefighters and police officers responded to the multi-story building on Pirmi Lane around 10:22 p.m. and found a large fire roaring on the second floor.
Five residents inside were rescued using ladders.
One resident was transported to Beverly Hospital and another was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital. A third resident self-transported for evaluation.
Three police officers were also taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation sustained during their efforts.
“I am proud of the heroic efforts of our officers and all first responders involved. We are hopeful for the swift recovery of everyone affected by this incident,” said Gloucester Police Chief Ed Conley.
“Due to the incredible work of our first responders, we made numerous rescues. If not for their efforts, the outcome would have been a tragic loss of lives,” said Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith. “Unfortunately, we have many displaced families as the entire building had to be shut down, and it will be some time before these residents will be able to get back into their homes.”
The Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, and Ipswich Fire Departments assisted at the scene.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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