19 People Forced Out As Fire Spreads To 3 Multi-Family Homes In Dorchester

DORCHESTER (CBS) - A fire quickly spread to three multi-family houses in Dorchester early Friday morning, forcing 19 people out of their homes. No one was hurt, but damage is estimated at $2 million.

Flames broke out at a triple-decker on Fairmount Street around 4:40 a.m. and rapidly engulfed the back of the house, causing all of the rear porches to collapse. It also spread to homes on both sides, a garage and a car.

"I think it was just the volume of fire," said Boston Fire Department Commissioner John "Jack" Dempsey of the damage, "It's a large amount of fire in a close area."

More than 100 firefighters responded to the fire, and with an hour of the first crews arriving, the flames had spread to three buildings.

"A quick knockdown from the companies kept it from going any further," said Dempsey. "We have 19 people displaced, two of them were children. No injuries at this time."

Everyone was able to escape safely.

The commissioner noted that the fire department was originally called to Ogden Street before finding out the fire was on Fairmount Street.

The cause is still under investigation.