By Luis Fieldman
masslive.com
WAKEFIELD, Mass. — A vacant commercial building in Wakefield was destroyed Friday after a massive six-alarm fire that burned for hours.
The fire caused multiple small explosions and temporarily halted MBTA commuter rail service, according to Wakefield Fire Chief Thomas Purcell.
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No serious injuries were reported. Several firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and dehydration during the prolonged response.
Firefighters were called to 102 Foundry St. at about 3 p.m. Friday due to reports of a structure fire, Purcell said in a statement.
Fire crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the one-story commercial building. Firefighters quickly decided to strike additional alarms to contain the growing blaze.
Several small explosions were reported during the fire, but crews were able to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the original structure.
Officials temporarily shut down the MBTA Commuter Rail’s Haverhill Line while firefighters worked the fire from both sides of the tracks using stream hoses. Rail service continued at 6:30 p.m.
Firefighters brought the fire under control at about 6 p.m., but crews remained at the scene throughout the night.
Two excavators were brought in to demolish the building due to its size. The last crews left the scene around 3 a.m. Saturday.
More than 20 surrounding communities provided mutual aid, either assisting at the fire scene or covering Wakefield’s stations, according to Purcell.
“The size of the blaze, combined with the extreme heat and humidity, led to an intense six-alarm fire. Our crews were working under tough conditions, and I am thankful for their quick response time and hard work overnight to ensure this fire was fully extinguished,” Purcell said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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