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Mass. firefighters rescue occupant from burning apartment building

Cambridge firefighters used Ladder 1’s aerial to rescue a woman trapped on the third floor

By Rick Sobey
Boston Herald

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Local firefighters rescued a trapped resident from a third-floor window, as they battled a blaze on a bitterly cold night.

The Cambridge firefighters also reportedly saved a cat, which was unconscious before paramedics gave the cat oxygen and revived the animal.

Just before midnight on Sunday morning, firefighters responded to a 2-alarm fire in the large, multiple-dwelling apartments at 72-74 Kirkland St.

“During the initial stages of the fire, the firefighters of Ladder 1 rescued a trapped person from a third floor window via aerial ladder,” Cambridge Fire posted.

“An unconscious cat was also rescued by FFs, was given oxygen & successfully revived by @ProEMSCambridge medics,” the fire department added.

The fire was quickly contained and extinguished by fire companies, but several people were displaced from their apartments.

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The cause and origin of the fire will be under investigation.

About 45 firefighters fought the fire in the 15-degree temps. The wind chill was a brutal 1 degree.

“A big thank you to the volunteers of @BostonSparks A-10 for providing rehab, hydration, & more on a bitterly cold winter morning,” Cambridge Fire posted. “They are there to support us 24/7/365 under any conditions!”

“Thank you to our Tech Services Fleet Mechanic M2 who responded on a bitterly cold & windy night to ensure that all apparatus was operating efficiently, with no mechanical issues & no freeze issues,” the fire department added.

The MBTA, with assistance from Cambridge and Somerville police officers, diverted the 109 bus route because of the fire.

The MBTA also provided warm buses as a place of refuge for residents.

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