SPRINGFIELD, MA - An apartment block fire that rose to a general alarm (third) in the north end of the City of Springfield displaced 25 tenants and required every available piece of apparatus in the city on Saturday, January 28th.

Shortly before 8:00 P.M., SFD companies were dispatched to 2473 Main St. for a reported structure fire and first-in crews found heavy fire consuming the wood-frame porches on the 'Charlie' side of a four-story mixed use occupancy. A second-alarm was struck as members made entry to the building and attempted to gain control of the fire with an interior attack. Conditions on scene began to deteriorate quickly however, and, with fire now in possession of the fourth floor and cockloft, Main St. command ordered all companies out of the building, striking the third-alarm and switching to a surround and drown operation.

Five aerial master streams, multiple large caliber hand lines and apparatus mounted deck guns were opened up on all four sides of the building for well over four hours before the fire was knocked down. Companies would remain on scene for several more hours for overhaul operations and a fire watch detail monitored the building for the entire following day.

No injuries were reported, and the property owner, along with the City and the Red Cross, are working to house the displaced tenants. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the SFD Arson Squad.