A handful of people had to be rescued and several others were injured after a fire ripped through an apartment complex in Gloucester, Massachusetts, overnight.
Firefighters responded to a multi-family home along Pirmi Lane, not far off Route 128, shortly before 10:30 p.m. Some residents escaped using ground ladders. Five people had to be rescued from the building.
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According to Gloucester's fire chief, two people were taken to nearby hospitals, and a third person drove themselves to the hospital. Three Gloucester police officers were also brought there for medical attention for smoke inhalation.
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According to the fire chief, the blaze started in one of the balconies where there were no sprinklers. A lot of the damage is to the balcony area along the side of the building.
There are 10 living units in the building with up to 25 people that have all been displaced as of Sunday morning. It'll likely take some time before those who live in the building can get back to their homes, especially the ones whose units were directly affected.
The entire building has been shut down, meaning these families will have to find another place to stay, which is especially tough this holiday season.
After knocking down the fire, crews remained in the area ensuring all the hot spots where also put out.
"We're pretty fortunate that our folks were able to get everybody out quickly, knock this fire down fairly quickly given the volume of it, the location of it, obviously as you can see access is not ideal," Fire Chief Eric Smith said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the chief says it was likely accidental.
