Scenes from Salem's Washington Square Fire

Fire officials said arson investigators are investigating a four-alarm fire that raged on Washington Square for hours Friday afternoon.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., fire officials said they were alerted by a master box and 911 calls about a fire in the 21-unit building at 98 Washington Sq. East.

There were no injuries. Several cats were rescued, fire officials said. At 6:30 p.m., there were conflicting reports as to whether or not all the tenants' cats had been accounted for and saved.

Fire Chief David Cody said the fire started on the second- or third-floor porch area toward the back of the building. At 6:30 p.m., Cody said arson investigators were busy probing the fire.

Firfighters Face Tough Conditions

Chief Cody said Engine 2 was the first on scene. Engine 4 and Ladder 1 were close behind.

When the fire department arrived, Deputy Chief Glen Beaudet said the ladder crew rescued a female from the third floor.

Firefighters attacked the fire from the porch area. Initially, Beaudet said 12 firefighters were sent in to put the fire out.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., firefighters had to evacuate the building due to hazardous conditions. Beaudet said at one point there were reports "the roof was caving in."

Windy conditions made the situation particularly difficult for firefighters and police officers who worked to keep curious residents from getting too close to the scene as smoke billowed out of the building into neighboring yards, lawns and adjacent streets.

"It's always hard, but you learn to deal with it," Cody said of the windy conditions.

In addition to the wind, Beaudet said the interior setup of the building made it a challenge for department members.

Beaudet described the maze of hallways and rooms as "all cut up. You could get lot in there during [regular conditions]," he explained. As for the smoke in the building, Beaudet said it was smokey when he opened the front door "and you couldn't get past the first floor."

A "Doozy" and Chief Commends Team Effort

While Cody called the fire "a big one," Beaudet described the fire as "a doozy."

A number of communities including Danvers, Peabody, Marblehead, Lynn, Lynnfield and Nahant all provided mutual aid.

Roger Baker of Rehab 5 was also on scene providing food from and water for responders.

"The crews and mutual aid all worked well together," Cody said, calling the collaborative effort a "super job."

Help for Residents

While firefighters fought the blaze and after the fire was put out, portions of the building, particularly toward the back corner, were visibly gutted.

Pieces of siding were ripped from the building by fire houses and water streamed down the stairs and out the door of 98 Washington Sq. East.

When asked if the property was a total loss, Cody said there is a firewall that may have protected "half the building."

Help for Residents and What was Saved

The Red Cross was already involved in efforts to assist residents before the fire was exintguished. Fire officials said residents were gathering in the building building at 94 Washington Square.

In addition to rescuing cats, the  was also able to save several other special items from the building.

Deputy Chief Brian Harrington said crews were able to save a Purple Heart awarded to a tenant's family member. There were also reports fire crews were able to save an urn.