Four-Alarm Fire Destroys Historic Rockport Building

A four-alarm fire at a mixed-use building brought firefighters from multiple North Shore communities to Rockport for an extended suppression operation.

At approximately 9:57 a.m. on September 20, 2026, Rockport firefighters were dispatched to 19 Broadway Avenue in Rockport, Massachusetts, for a reported propane odor. Police arrived first and upgraded the response to a box alarm. Rockport Car 1, Squad 1, Ladder 1, Engine 1 and Engine 2 responded, with additional alarms requested as crews encountered heavy smoke and fire.

Mutual aid included Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Essex, Wenham, Hamilton and Beverly fire departments, with additional regional departments providing coverage and support. Essex Engine 1 established a water supply for Manchester-by-the-Sea Ladder 1 using approximately 900 feet of large-diameter hose. Beauport Ambulance and Rehab Five assisted with firefighter rehabilitation. Crews knocked down the fire around 1 p.m.

The fire destroyed the building, which housed Rockport House of Pizza and residential apartments, displacing at least two families and affecting local businesses. No human injuries were reported. Investigators later determined the fire was accidental, with a suspected gas leak near the rear of the first-floor restaurant, although the exact cause could not be established.