BREAKING: Boston firefighters swiftly extinguished a significant blaze in Dorchester on Christmas morning, displacing three residents from their home. Firefighters responded to the fire at 699 Washington St. around 8:30 AM, where flames were visible from a 2.5-story wood frame house. A second alarm was quickly activated due to the intensity of the fire.
According to the Boston Fire Department, crews successfully knocked down the flames and are currently inspecting for hotspots and potential extensions. Remarkably, no injuries have been reported amidst the chaos. The estimated damages from the fire are a staggering $950,000.
“Fire companies have knocked down the heavy fire & are checking for hotspots & extension,” the Boston Fire Department tweeted shortly after the incident.
The three displaced residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross and the Boston Fire Department’s Victim Assistance Unit. The Boston Sparks Association is providing much-needed support with food and beverages for the firefighters on this chilly 30-degree day.
In a tragic parallel, earlier on Christmas Eve, a 21-year-old woman lost her life in a massive fire in Needham. The Needham Fire Department responded to a blaze at 28 Woodworth Road shortly before 5 AM, where they encountered heavy smoke and flames engulfing a three-story home. While two adults managed to escape, the young woman was later found deceased inside.
The Needham fire drew an urgent four-alarm response, with around 75 firefighters working tirelessly for more than seven hours to bring the flames under control. Investigation into the cause of this devastating fire is ongoing, involving multiple agencies including the Needham Fire Department, Needham Police Department, and State Police fire investigators.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine emphasized the importance of fire safety, stating, “We haven’t determined the cause of this fire yet, but we know that tragedies like this one are most common in the winter months. Please ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in the event of an emergency.”
As communities grapple with these events, the Boston and Needham fire departments are urging residents to remain vigilant about fire safety, especially during the colder months when heating systems are in use.
Stay tuned as we bring you further updates on these developing stories.
