Reading, MA – Early Monday morning Reading fire crews responded to a four-alarm blaze at One High Street, a 12-unit apartment complex. Two victims were rescued from a third-floor apartment and transported to Lahey Hospital and later to Boston.
The Fire Department received notification of a fire at 3:29 AM, according to Fire Chief Greg Burns.
“When Firefighters arrived on scene under the Command of Captain Mark Dwyer and Lieutenant Scott Myette, [the] fire was visible exiting two windows on the third floor of the building. Firefighters began an attack and evacuation of the building,” said Burns. “As Firefighters entered the third-floor unit to search for victims and for fire extinguishment they quickly found two victims. The victims were carried down the stairs, out of the building, and emergency care was performed. They were transported via ambulance to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center.”
The victims were later transported to a Boston hospital in serious condition. The investigation is ongoing by the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall’s Office and Reading Fire and Police detectives.
A total of 4 alarms was required to bring the fire under control, search the building, and provide emergency medical care to the two fire victims. Crews from Woburn, Stoneham, Wakefield, North Reading, Wilmington, Burlington, Lynnfield, Andover, Saugus, Winchester, and Lawrence Fire Departments responded to the scene. The communities of Lynn, Medford and Lexington Fire Departments provided station coverage during the incident.
Evacuated residents of the building were brought to the Reading Police Department’s community room. Eleven of Twelve units at One High Street were occupied at the time of the fire. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the building owner are assisting the 15-20 displaced residents with housing and other assistance.
Anyone wishing to donate or assist fire victims please contact the Red Cross or Salvation Army.
