Wakefield Fire Department Extinguishes Six-Alarm Structure Fire in Extreme Heat

Wakefield Fire Department responded to a six-alarm structure fire on Friday, Aug. 7. (Photo Courtesy Wakefield Fire Department)

WAKEFIELD — Chief Thomas Purcell reports that the Wakefield Fire Department responded to a six-alarm structure fire on Friday afternoon.

On Friday, Aug. 7, at approximately 3:01 p.m., the Wakefield Fire Department was called to a vacant commercial structure at 102 Foundry St. for a report of a structure fire.

Companies arrived at a vacant one-story commercial structure to find smoke and fire showing from the building, and immediately called a working fire. A second and third alarm was struck within 10 minutes of crews responding to the scene.

Chief Purcell assumed command of the incident, and eventually six alarms were required to control and extinguish the fire.

Multiple small explosions occurred during the fire, but crews were able to contain the flames to the original building.

Command ordered the nearby MBTA Commuter Rail Haverhill Line to be temporarily shut down as crews surrounded the fire with master streams over the railroad tracks from North Avenue. The Haverhill Line resumed services at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The fire was under control by approximately 6 p.m. Due to the size of the structure, two excavators demolished the building overnight, while firefighters monitored and soaked all remaining hot spots. Companies cleared the scene at approximately 3 a.m. on Aug. 8.

There were no serious injuries reported. Several firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Companies from over 20 surrounding communities provided mutual aid at the scene and covered the Wakefield station.

“I wish to thank all of our local mutual aid partners who provided assistance during this call, as well as Cataldo Ambulance and Rehab 5 for their support of the crews on scene,” said Chief Purcell. “The size of the blaze, combined with the extreme heat and humidity, led to an intense six-alarm fire. Our crews were working under tough conditions, and I am thankful for their quick response time and hard work overnight to ensure this fire was fully extinguished.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Wakefield Fire Department.

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Wakefield Fire Department was assisted by over 20 mutual aid partners during a six-alarm structure fire on Friday, Aug. 7. (Photo Courtesy Wakefield Fire Department)