A 4-alarm fire broke out on the first floor of 26 Cooper Street near the N. Margin Street intersection in Boston’s North End shortly after 11pm on Tuesday night. The fire quickly climbed to the roof of the building causing flames to burst out of windows “as seen in the movies,” said one witness. One person was taken to the hospital with burns, according to BFD. Two women found their egress locked and jumped from windows to the arms of residents below.
Boston Fire responded in minutes, taking an aggressive approach to avoid having the fire spread to neighboring buildings. They were able to extinguish the fire about a half hour later with about 100 firefighters on the scene. BFD estimates about $1 million of damage. Thirteen residents were displaced from the building. Many in neighboring buildings also moved out for the night due to the smell of smoke. More details and photos in the “Storify” segment below.
I just came upon this post. Thank you Jane for asking that question. I am the person who went to the hospital after being caught in a burning building with no way out. Thanks to my neighbors at 24 and 22 Cooper St. I was not burned to death and escaped. I went to MGH and Spaulding was there for 2.5 months. I had to learn to walk and use my hands. Now I am learning to live with the scars, but it is quite a challenge. I have great family and friends helping me through the transition.
I know that the Red Cross and Salvation Army have been on the scene with those displaced. Some of the area restaurants/businesses have reached out with food and such.
Caffe Pompeii became the refuge point on the night of the fire for many of the displaced and volunteers.
I have not heard of any fund or collection yet. If I do, I’ll post it and would ask that others do the same. Thanks.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army connect victims with resources. To note, be sure to always purchase insurance ahead of any residential move. One never knows what happens to one’s belongings on the way, during the move or the first couple of nights. Big surprise though that the secondary egress was blocked.
What’s the best way to help out our neighbors when something like this happens?
please let me know if there is anything North End residents can do to help with those displaced by the fire at Cooper Street.
thank you!
Call the fire department and stay out of the way.
Hi Steve,
I got a message back referring me to the Fire Station. Im guessing the one on Hanover Street would have info re: helping our fellow residents.
Take care.
Gwen
Contact the Boston Fire Unions “Burn Foundation”
http://www.bostonfirefightersburnfoundation.com/
Also the Union Hall can help they are on Hallet Street in Dorchester. they have been doing this for years.
My thoughts are with the people displaced and I hope for a speedy recovery of the person that ended up in the hospital!
I just came upon this post. Thank you Jane for asking that question. I am the person who went to the hospital after being caught in a burning building with no way out. Thanks to my neighbors at 24 and 22 Cooper St. I was not burned to death and escaped. I went to MGH and Spaulding was there for 2.5 months. I had to learn to walk and use my hands. Now I am learning to live with the scars, but it is quite a challenge. I have great family and friends helping me through the transition.
Check to see if anyone is organizing a collection for household goods, clothing etc? (Churches, ABCD, Red Cross) Organize a fundraiser?
I know that the Red Cross and Salvation Army have been on the scene with those displaced. Some of the area restaurants/businesses have reached out with food and such.
Caffe Pompeii became the refuge point on the night of the fire for many of the displaced and volunteers.
I have not heard of any fund or collection yet. If I do, I’ll post it and would ask that others do the same. Thanks.
I have plenty of women’s clothes, good quality, in various sizes. Please let me know if anyone needs them.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army connect victims with resources. To note, be sure to always purchase insurance ahead of any residential move. One never knows what happens to one’s belongings on the way, during the move or the first couple of nights. Big surprise though that the secondary egress was blocked.
Does anyone know how the fire started?