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Massive Fire Destroys Building In Cohasset

COHASSET (CBS) - An auto-body shop is destroyed and a man is without a place to stay, after a fire ripped through a South Main Street business in Cohasset Thursday afternoon around 4pm.

"The fact that the wind was facing in the opposite direction, that's what saved my house," said Michelle, who lives next door to the structural fire.

Cohasset Fire
Firefighters responded to a building on fire in Cohasset (WBZ-TV)

It took nearly two hours for 40 firefighters from several South Shore communities to help the Cohassset Fire department contain the blaze, according to Assistant Fire Chief John Dockray.

"Heavy fire from the first floor of the garage bay. And once crews arrived, we were able to get up into the second floor to do a quick primary to make sure everybody was out of the building," Dockray said.

Hazardous materials and a report of ammunition was a concern.

Cohasset
The roof of a building collapsed in a fire (WBZ-TV)

"Thank god the fire didn't impinge on the ammunition and we immediately backed out of the building when we heard it was ammunition," said Assistant Fire Chief Dockray.

Now officials have a possible environmental concern on their hands. A representative from MassDEP called in, after gallons of water mixed with oil from the repair shop, seeped into the storm drain.

"I have over five feet of oil in my front yard as well as my backyard," said Michelle.

Neighbor Nader Afshar is thankful no one was hurt. "This is material and I'm thankful nobody was hurt," he said.

Now, the cleanup begins. Part of South Main Street to the center of town will remain closed throughout the night. Neighbors who live next door will stay with friends tonight, as MassDEP continues to evaluate the situation.

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