Lawrence, MA 3rd Alarm + - 110/112/114 Hancock St - 3/30/13

Lawrence box 5111 was transmitted for a reported structure fire in the area of 114 Hancock St. Companies arrived to find a fast moving fire which ripped through 3 homes. Firefighters were hampered by several hydrants with insufficient water supply which has plagued this area of Lawrence for years. Several mutual aid companies from neighboring towns were requested to the scene to assist in establishing an adequate water supply for firefighters battling the flames. Additional companies covered Lawrence's Central Firehouse on Lowell St while crews worked. A cause has yet to be determined. The fire also caused some minimal damage to the rear of Engine 5 due to the extreme radiant heat from the fire. Crews quickly put a line in use to protect the apparatus from any further damage and it was back in service later that night.

On a side note, as you will see in the last few photos, the now closed firehouse of Engine 8 located at 311 Ames St. is a 2 minute, half mile drive from the fire scene. These professionals worked harder because they didn't have the neighborhood engine company staffed and at the ready. Who knows what difference it may have made to these folks who lost everything. It is vitally important to fund these positions and have these companies ready to respond. It CAN make all the difference in the world to somebody.