WAKEFIELD — On Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at approximately 3:01 p.m., the Wakefield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at a vacant commercial building at 102 Foundry Street.
According to Wakefield Fire Chief Thomas Purcell, when crews arrived on scene, they found smoke and flames coming from the one-story building and immediately called a working fire.
A second and third alarm were struck within 10 minutes of the initial response as conditions intensified.
Chief Purcell assumed command of the incident, which ultimately reached six alarms before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control.
“Multiple small explosions occurred during the fire, but crews were able to contain the flames to the original building,” Chief Purcell said. Adding, “Command ordered the nearby MBTA Commuter Rail Haverhill Line to be temporarily shut down as crews surrounded the fire with master streams over the railroad tracks from North Avenue.”
The Haverhill Line resumed service at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The fire was brought under control at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Due to the size of the structure, two excavators demolished the building overnight while firefighters continued to monitor the property and soak remaining hot spots, Chief Purcell said.
Crews cleared the scene at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8.
No serious injuries were reported, though several firefighters were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Fire departments from more than 20 surrounding communities provided mutual aid at the scene and covered the Wakefield fire station during the response.
“I wish to thank all of our local mutual aid partners who provided assistance during this call, as well as Cataldo Ambulance and Rehab 5 for their support of the crews on scene,” Chief Purcell said. “The size of the blaze, combined with the extreme heat and humidity, led to an intense six-alarm fire.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Wakefield Fire Department.
