UPDATE: Boston firefighters have successfully extinguished a significant fire in Dorchester that erupted on Christmas morning. The blaze broke out at approximately 6:30 AM at 699 Washington St., engulfing a 2.5-story wood frame home and prompting a quick second alarm response.
Firefighters arrived to find flames visibly spreading through the structure, but they swiftly knocked down the blaze, with crews currently checking for hotspots and ensuring no further extension of the fire. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
In a statement, the Boston Fire Department confirmed, “Fire companies have knocked down the heavy fire & are checking for hotspots & extension.” The estimated damages from the blaze are around $950,000.
Three residents have been displaced due to the fire. The Red Cross and the Boston Fire Department’s Victim Assistance Unit are on-site providing support. “@BostonSparks are on scene for much appreciated rehab on this 30-degree day,” the department added.
In a tragic contrast, earlier on December 24, a massive fire in Needham claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman. This fire, which erupted at 28 Woodworth Road shortly before 5:00 AM, quickly escalated to a four-alarm response, engaging around 75 firefighters battling the flames for over seven hours.
Tragically, while two adults managed to escape, the young woman was later found deceased inside the home. The cause of this fire is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Needham Fire and Police Departments, as well as State Police fire investigators.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine emphasized the importance of fire safety during winter months. “We haven’t determined the cause of this fire yet, but we know that tragedies like this one are most common in the winter months,” he stated. “Please be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in the event of an emergency.”
The Boston Sparks Association has been providing food and beverages to the personnel at the Dorchester scene, and a Rehab unit from the Department of Fire Services is actively supporting firefighter health and safety.
As investigations continue into both incidents, officials urge residents to prioritize fire safety, especially during the holiday season when fire risks are heightened. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
