In what is being called one of the worst fires in Massachusetts history, a 6 Alarm plus fire struck the four-building Malden Mills complex located at Route 28 near Broadway in Methuen, Massachusetts, on Monday evening. At about 2020 EST, an apparent boiler explosion set off a huge blaze at this complex that is located about 26 miles north of Boston that makes clothing and upholstery fabric. 700 people were said to be working in the complex at the time of the initial explosion.
The initial blast was followed by a series of explosions which were apparently caused by ruptured gas mains. Massive mutual aid was sent to the scene from neighboring towns, towns in New Hampshire and from towns as far away as the southern suburbs of Boston. In all, it was reported that 200 firefighters battled the blaze with 67 engine companies and 22 truck companies.
33 people were injured in the blaze. Eight of the victims are reported to be in critical condition. Numerous ambulances were sent to the scene, along with four medevac helicopters. Some of the most serious victims were airlifted to hospitals in Boston and Worcester.
Firefighters were hampered by temperatures that were near zero degrees (F) and winds that gusted at 45 MPH. Three of the mill buildings were reported to had been destroyed by the heavy fire. Burning embers set two nearby residential homes on fire and a seperate 2 Alarm fire was called for at #11 Annis Street. Embers set a 2-story wood frame furniture repair store 75x75 on fire. Heavy fire and smoke conditions were reported in this blaze that started at about 0025 EST. During the height of the fire, one police officer said, "It's like it's raining fire."
Water supply problems also hampered firefighters who were battling the inferno in the 200x400 complex which was reduced to rubble. It was reported that a collapsed wall fell upon a pumper from the city of Lawrence, who really cannot afford to lose firefighting equipment.
Methuen Fire Chief Ken Bourassa said on Monday evening, "The initial explosion was so intense that it blew out the sprinkler system. Malden Mills is a mill building. It has all the hazards of a mill building ... lint and chemicals and hazardous materials of that nature."
Authorities said that some victims could be found dead in the ruins. But as of 0600 EST on Tuesday, no bodies had been found. Arson investigators from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating the huge blaze. The ATF investigating a major fire is not unusual.
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