LYNN — The five-alarm house fire that extended to a nearby church started accidentally and was most likely caused by a malfunction of a residential gas stove or its piping, said Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine.
“Our hearts remain with the families that lost their home and all our community members who lost their church,” said Chief Sullivan. “More than a dozen people have been displaced, and many more lost a house of worship that represents a home away from home. We are deeply grateful that our residents are safe and that the fire was contained before it could spread further in this densely built neighborhood.”
The fire at 60 Estes Street was first reported just after 8:20 p.m. on Friday. The first responding firefighters arrived to find smoke showing and heavy fire inside.
“Despite the danger, they undertook an initial search to ensure that all occupants were out of the building,” Chief Sullivan and State Fire Marshal Davine said in a joint statement.
The fire quickly spread through the three-story, multi-family home and reached the rear of the Iglesia Evangelica Congregacional Church, which stood about 10 feet away.
Firefighters fought against high winds of 20 miles per hour and large embers blowing toward nearby residential buildings. Several Broad Street homes were evacuated as a precaution, but crews were able to contain the fire with assistance from multiple regional fire departments.
The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Lynn Fire Department and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, with support from ATF special agents. Investigators found no evidence that the fire had been intentionally set. They determined it began in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment at 60 Estes St., specifically in the area of the gas stove. Based on witness interviews and observations at the scene, they concluded that a mechanical malfunction was the most likely cause, though the exact nature of the issue could not be determined.
Fire departments from Swampscott, Melrose, Saugus, Revere, Salem, Marblehead, Peabody, Lynnfield, Chelsea, and Boston responded to provide mutual aid. The Salvation Army and Atlantic EMS assisted with firefighter rehabilitation at the scene, while the MBTA provided a bus for temporary shelter. The Red Cross of Massachusetts is aiding 18 displaced residents.
One occupant was transported for evaluation and is expected to recover. A Cataldo Ambulance employee was also transported after sustaining an injury at the scene. Additionally, several firefighters suffered slip-and-fall injuries that did not require medical attention.
