5 Alarm Fire Destroys Triple Decker in Dorchester

At 11:12AM on Thursday August 15th Box 3483 was struck for a reported building fire at 5 Fairmount Street in Dorchester. Boston Fire District 8 arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke showing from a 3 Story Wood Frame with heavy fire in the basement.

Minutes later the fire began extending to the 1st Floor and a 2nd Alarm was transmitted. Moments later the fire began extending to the upper floors and all companies were ordered out of the building. Shortly after 12PM the district chief struck the 3rd & 4th Alarms. I decided to respond on the 4th Alarm. Companies set up several master streams and ladder pipes while Engine 16 used its deck gun.

I was 10 minutes away when the 5th Alarm was transmitted. As I arrived companies were hitting the fire from all sides with multiple master streams. For a time a line aimed at the rear porch missed the roof and soaked everyone on Fairmount Street. Companies soon shut down the lines and Ladder 6 climbed the stick to open up the cockloft with rakes. Flames wree showing from the front side for about 3 Minutes until Tower Ladder 17 knocked it down with its Ladder Pipe. Companies then began making up lines after the last remaining fire was knocked down.

The district chief requested 3 Engines and 2 Ladders for a detail watch. 3 Boston Firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries and 4 civilians were also treated. The Boston Fire Department is investigating the cause.