A large fire broke out on Foundry Street in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Friday afternoon, sending thick smoke into the sky and prompting a major response from firefighters from Wakefield and surrounding communities.
The blaze severely affected traffic in the area, according to Wakefield police. Foundry Street was closed, while Broadway was shut down between North Avenue and Lake Street. North Avenue was also closed between Main and West Water streets as emergency crews worked at the scene.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. The intense smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away, while the emergency response also disrupted service at the nearby MBTA Commuter Rail stop.
Firefighters Take Defensive Position
Wakefield Fire Chief Thomas Purcell said crews encountered heavy fire when they arrived and quickly requested a second alarm, bringing additional departments to the scene.
Firefighters eventually took a defensive approach as the intensity of the blaze made interior operations difficult. Purcell also said there had been explosions earlier in the incident, although officials had not immediately determined what caused them.
The building was reportedly vacant when the fire broke out, reducing the immediate concern for people trapped inside. However, firefighters faced difficult conditions while battling the flames amid Friday’s hot weather and high humidity.
Purcell noted that temperatures approaching 90 to 100 degrees, combined with high humidity, made the firefighting operation particularly challenging.
Heavy Fire Knocked Down
The heavy fire was brought under control later Friday, but firefighters remained at the scene into the evening to extinguish remaining hot spots and monitor the structure.
Fire departments from Revere, Burlington, Lynn, Reading, Winchester and Stoneham assisted Wakefield crews during the response.
Authorities continued working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire, including what may have caused the reported explosions. No additional information about injuries was provided in the available report.
The extensive road closures and smoke created significant disruption across Wakefield as firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze and ensure the area was safe.
