Lowell, MA 4th Alarm - 138 Cross St - 7/23/16

Lowell firefighters were dispatched to the area of Cross St after Engine 6, returning from a building fire on Merrimack St, saw heavy smoke in the area. Crews arrived to find heavy fire extending up the C/D side of a large 3 story wood frame 25x100 multi family apartment house. A second alarm was requested followed shortly after by a request for a 3rd alarm. The fire was threatening other large multi dwellings that were close exposures in the densely populated neighborhood off Fletcher St. The fire quickly gained control of the cockloft and traveled the length of the structure and thru the roof, forcing firefighters to transition into a defensive posture. A 4th alarm was requested to get more manpower to the scene to help battle the flames. The heaviest visible fire, due to their aggressive tactics, was knocked down within 20-30 minutes. Fire crews remained on scene for a number of hours wetting down hot spots and overhauling. Companies from neighboring communities provided mutual aid coverage thru out the city while Lowell units were at the fire.