By Matt Pitta
The Associated Press

BOSTON — A fire swept through a five-story condominium complex on New Year's Eve, killing one man and forcing fire crews to leave the building before they could determine whether other people were trapped inside.

Because of the intense flames, crews were ordered out about 45 minutes after they arrived at the 20-unit brick building shortly before 8 p.m., Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Finn said.

A 47-year-old man whose heart had stopped when he was pulled from the seven-alarm fire was pronounced dead, Fire Chief Kevin MacCurtain said. The man's name wasn't immediately released.

Officials said Tuesday that they had no reports of other deaths. Flames continued to leap from the roof nearly three hours after the fire was reported, as some of the 130 firefighters sprayed water from ladders.

The blaze apparently started in a first-floor kitchen at the rear of the building. Within minutes, flames spread to all five floors.

Residents of the apartment complex took shelter in a parked city bus, before being taken to a city recreation center. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said many found shelter with friends and relatives.