Massive Blaze Displaces 29 Residents in Dorchester
A devastating fire ripped through multiple multi-family homes in Dorchester on Saturday, leaving 29 residents displaced and firefighters facing a challenging situation on a dense street.
Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke reported that the fire began in the rear area of 21 Ellington St. and quickly rose to six alarms. Fire crews worked tirelessly to control the massive flames, which engulfed two full buildings.
Despite the chaos, all residents were able to escape safely with no reported injuries, although many were left standing outside in the cold, wearing only bathrobes or whatever they could quickly grab as they fled.
Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her devastation at the destruction, particularly on a holiday weekend when families would typically be together. She assured reporters at the scene that the city would support the displaced families and do everything possible to help them.
Firefighters faced a complex and intense situation, with the fire proving difficult to control due to the tight street and dense neighborhood. City officials expressed concern that the fire could have spread even further given the area’s density.
City records revealed that both 21 Ellington St. and the building next door, 19 Ellington St., are three-family homes valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The owners of the buildings did not immediately respond to calls for comment.
Reports from the Boston Fire Department depicted a harrowing scene, with massive flames completely engulfing a rear patio and thick, black smoke filling the sky. Fire Commissioner Burke emphasized the challenging nature of the situation, with firefighters forced to conduct searches in buildings where visibility was extremely limited.
Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell, whose district includes Ellington Street, expressed his heartbreak at seeing members of the community displaced during the holidays and assured that the city would meet every need the families have.
This situation is currently ongoing, and the story will be updated as new information becomes available.