Fire Burns Through Dorchester Multi-Family Home As Family Moves In

DORCHESTER (CBS) -- A four-alarm fire in a multi-family home began as a family was moving in, the Boston Fire Department said.

The fire began shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday on Sawyer Avenue in Dorchester.

Nine adults and one child were displaced from the building, which includes four units. The fire caused about $600,000 worth of damage.

"A fast-moving fire can be lethal. But we were very fortunate here today," Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said.

The family that was moving into the house did not see the smoke initially.

Two movers who were helping the family saw the fire and rushed into action.

"We both shot up there fast and just did what anybody else would do – knock on a few doors and get people out," mover William Lombard said.

Witness Vadinho Semedo said the mover's actions saved lives.

"He didn't think twice. He went inside and saved people," said Semedo. "There was a lady upstairs with a baby. He grabbed them and they got outside quick. The fire had already started. I think that was very brave of him."

The Boston Fire Department said the fire was caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials on the building's side porch.

One firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion and was transported from the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Due to the heat, firefighters rotated in and out every 10-15 minutes.

Firefighters chasing hot spots at the scene Tuesday afternoon were rotating every ten minutes because of the extreme heat.

One house to the right of the burning building had damage to its siding.

In addition to the family that was moving in, nine adults and one child were displaced.

Damage to the home was estimated at $500,000.

In:
• Fire
• Dorchester