Essex Firefighters Assisted at Third-Alarm Rockport Fire

Rockport, MA — September 19 — Danvers Fire Department Engine 3 was involved in operations in Rockport as part of a mutual-aid effort to address a four-alarm fire at 19 Broadway Avenue. Rockport firefighters were called out just before 10 a.m. after a strong smell of gas was reported from a mixed-use building. When they arrived, they found heavy smoke and an ongoing fire. The department raised four alarms to bring in more personnel and equipment to the scene.

Danvers Fire Department was one of several North Shore departments that assisted during the incident.

Firefighters from Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex, Wenham, Hamilton, Middleton, Ipswich, Peabody, and Lynn also responded, along with Rehab 5.

Firefighters worked for several hours until the fire was fully extinguished around 1 p.m.

National Grid was called in to turn off the electrical power while crews continued their efforts.No injuries were reported, but two families and multiple businesses were forced to leave the building.

The response highlighted the value of mutual aid during lengthy incidents.

Nearby departments contributed extra personnel and resources while Rockport firefighters managed the situation within their own community.

The fire was later examined by the Rockport Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, which is part of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.