Firefighters, police rush to rescue people from burning Gloucester apartment
GLOUCESTER – Five people were rescued and several hospitalized when flames ripped through a Gloucester apartment building late Saturday night.
Gloucester apartment fire
Heavy flames broke out at a multi-family home on Pirmi Lane around 10:20 p.m. The fire was coming from the second floor of the home.
Firefighters and officers from the Gloucester Police Department rescued five people using ground ladders.
One resident was rushed to Beverly Hospital and another was taken to Addison Gilbert Hospital. A third person from the building drove themselves to the hospital for evaluation.
Police and firefighters make rescues
In addition, three police officers were hospitalized with smoke inhalation.
"I am proud of the heroic efforts of our officers and all first responders involved. We are hopeful for the swift recovery of everyone affected by this incident," Gloucester Police Chief Edward Chief Conley aid.
Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith said quick actions by first responders likely saved lives.
"Due to the incredible work of our first responders, we made numerous rescues. If not for their efforts, the outcome would have been a tragic loss of lives," Unfortunately, we have many displaced families as the entire building had to be shut down, and it will be some time before these residents will be able to get back into their homes."
Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire.
Fire departments from Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, and Ipswich also responded to the scene to assist Gloucester firefighters.
No further details are currently available.