Firefighters Battle Flames, Sub-Zero Cold In Triple Decker Blaze
DORCHESTER (CBS) - Firefighters were still battling hot spots Sunday morning after a five-alarm fire broke out in Dorchester Saturday night in the freezing cold.
Crews responded to 7 Allston St. for a fire in a triple decker at about 10 p.m.
Fourteen residents made it out safely. One firefighter had to be taken to the hospital, but no other injuries were reported.
Firefighters fought the flames during wind chills of -18 degrees in Boston. Ice coated everything, including firefighters and their gear.
"Certainly battling the weather conditions out here, the ice, the cold, it's very difficult," Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said.
The fire also spread to the home next door, where Joachim Martillo lives on the top floor with his daughters, ages 8 and 11.
"We basically grabbed whatever we could and ran out," Martillo said.
The home was a total loss, reduced to an icy skeleton. Residents who lost everything are staying with family. The neighboring building sustained $1.5 million in damages.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
