UPDATE: Boston firefighters swiftly extinguished a significant fire in Dorchester early on Christmas morning, displacing three residents. The blaze erupted at 699 Washington St. in a 2.5-story wood frame home, prompting a rapid response from fire crews who arrived to find flames visible.
Firefighters quickly struck a second alarm as they battled the intense flames. “Fire companies have knocked down the heavy fire & are checking for hotspots & extension,” the Boston Fire Department reported on their official social media. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
The fire left three residents without a home, and the Boston Fire Department confirmed that the Red Cross and the BFD-VAU were on the scene to assist those affected. The estimated damage from the fire is a staggering $950,000.
In a tragic note, earlier on Christmas Eve, a 21-year-old woman lost her life in a massive fire in Needham. Firefighters responded to the emergency at 28 Woodworth Road shortly before 5 a.m., encountering heavy smoke and flames engulfing the three-story house. While two adults managed to escape, the young woman was later found deceased inside the residence.
The Needham Fire Department confirmed that the fire escalated to a four-alarm response, involving around 75 firefighters who battled the flames for over seven hours. The cause of this tragic fire is under investigation by various agencies, including the Needham Fire Department and the State Police fire investigators.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine emphasized the importance of safety during the winter months, stating, “We haven’t determined the cause of this fire yet, but we know that tragedies like this one are most common in the winter months. Please ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in case of an emergency.”
Multiple fire departments, including those from Brookline, Dedham, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Milton, Wellesley, and Westwood, provided mutual aid during the Dorchester fire, showcasing the collaborative efforts among local agencies.
As the investigation continues into both incidents, residents are urged to remain vigilant and ensure their homes are equipped with essential safety measures. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to uncover the causes of these devastating fires.
