Massive Lynnfield strip mall fire destroys multiple businesses
BOSTON – Multiple businesses in Lynnfield were destroyed Tuesday night when intense flames tore through a strip mall.
The fire happened around 9 p.m. at the strip mall on Post Office Square.
Lynnfield strip mall fire
Daylight revealed significant damage to multiple businesses. Lynnfield Fire Chief Glenn Davis said most of the businesses will likely be a total loss.
No injuries have been reported following the fire, which happened while the businesses were closed.
At least five businesses have lost everything in the fire.
Lynnfield strip mall had no sprinklers
Initial reported indicated that the fire may have started somewhere near Old Towne Market, which is in the middle of the strip mall. Flames then spread to nearby businesses, including a Dunkin'.
Davis said it is an old building with no sprinklers. There's a common attic space that runs the whole length of the strip mall, allowing the fire to spread very quickly.
"That's the problem with these old buildings, there's no sprinklers in them," Davis said.
Multiple fire departments were required to put out the flames.
Local businesses destroyed by flames
Mohammad Oagdezzamann owns Old Towne Market. His family has operated the business for over a decade.
"Looks like there is nothing left, everything collapsed as you can see," he said. "When we came here we started crying, broke down, it's really horrible to see."
With gas and electricity cut off to the area, surrounding businesses were forced to close on Wednesday, including the Lynnfield Medical office building.
Jen Tremblay works in the shopping plaza.
"I can't believe it, what this parking lot looks like right now. I feel so sad," she said.
Taylor Jenkins lives in the area. He said it is a major loss for the community.
"That Dunks is full of locals every morning. My daughter did karate right at the Cervizzi's on the corner, so it's going to be pretty tough. And the little mart there, every time you go in you see somebody local, so it's too bad," he said.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but is not believed to be suspicious. The Massachusetts fire marshal will be at the strip mall Wednesday morning as the investigation continues.