Six people trapped in their apartments were rescued by firefighters from a burning three-story building Sunday afternoon in a fire that required “a massive effort” by the entire force of 88 firefighters on duty.
Acting Deputy Assistant Chief Stephen Houle said firefighters arriving at 155 Elmwood Ave. in the West End just after noon could see people at the windows and flames at the rear.
Two people were rescued from a third-floor window by firefighters who set up a ladder on the ground, and four were rescued by firefighters on two ladder trucks. No one was injured in the rescue, but two occupants and one firefighter were taken to the hospital for observation after suffering smoke inhalation, Houle said.
Firefighters worked about two hours and 45 minutes, suffering in a 90-degree, high-humidity day, before the flames were out. “Everybody’s exhausted,” Houle said a little after 3:30 p.m. He praised the massive effort that averted a tragedy, calling it “a very successful day for the Fire Department.”