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Firefighters Battle Flames, Snow, Ice, Wind & Cold In North Attleboro

NORTH ATTLEBORO (CBS) – Firefighters had to contend with falling snow, whipping wind and bitter cold while battling a blaze in North Attleboro Friday morning.

Officials say the fire broke out somewhere on the second or third floor of the four-story building at 30 North Washington Street.

North Attleboro Fire
(Photo by Kim Tunnicliffe-WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

Firefighters from eight surrounding communities were called in to help fight the fire.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

Firefighters Battle Flames, Snow, Ice, Wind & Cold In North Attleboro

"With the wind whipping, it wreaked havoc on our efforts. So we had to evacuate in the interest of safety," North Attleboro Fire Chief Ted Joubert said.

WBZ-TV's Christina Hager reports

Photos from the scene show major problems with icing. Officials say two fire hydrants froze up and could not be used. Four fire trucks wound up covered in such thick layers of ice that they wound up stuck. The four iced-in trucks remained on scene as of Friday afternoon.

North Attleboro Fire
(Photo from Kim Tunnicliffe-WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

Officials said the building was believed to be vacant. However, residents in a neighboring building had to be evacuated. Red Cross was assisting them. There were no reports of any injuries.

Plainville Firefighter
Plainville Firefighter Kevin Laliberte after battling fire in North Attleboro on Jan 3. (Photo from Plainville Fire)

According to WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe, the building, deemed a total loss, will have to be demolished.

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