Swampscott Ladder Holds Down A Corner at Massive Lynn Fire

Swampscott firefighters helped battle a massive fire that swept through a triple-decker apartment building at 145 Lewis St. in Lynn early Monday.

Swampscott responded with a ladder truck on the third alarm for a fire that would grow to four alarms and leave some 70 people homeless. Everyone got out safely, fire officials said.

The Lynn Fire Department and state Fire Marshal's Office were at the fire scene much of Monday, investigating a blaze that is thought to have started on the first floor in the back of the building, according to NECN.

The NECN reporter also said the Lymm Fire Chief told him the fire was suspicious.

About 12:02 a.m., upon the third alarm, Lynn requested Swampscott ladder truck to help fight the fire, Swampscott fire Chief Kevin Breen said. Ordinarily, Swampscott provides an engine on the third alarm, he said.

Shortly thereafter the fire went to a fourth alarm, the fire chief said. 

Here is the Swampscott chief's summary of the response:

"Lynn companies encountered extremely heavy fire in the rear stairwell and rear exterior of the building and residents were evacuating by fire escapes.  Ladder 21 was placed in the right rear corner of the building from where they could reach two sides with their 1200 GPM ladder pipe. 

Shortly after arrival, once all occupants had been cleared from the building,  command ordered all firefighters out of the building due to the volume of fire and began a prolonged exterior attack from three ladder trucks including Ladder 21.   

Crews re-entered the building over 1 ½ hours  later, and with a renewed aggressive interior attack managed to bring the remaining fire under control without suffering a collapse of the building other than the roof. 

Ladder 21 assisted with extensive overhaul operations and returned to Swampscott shortly after 6 a.m."

The building is a complete loss and its former occupants who need housing are staying in nearby shelters.