Extremely cold temperatures made fighting a fire difficult for crews in Everett, Massachusetts, on Saturday morning.
The fire broke out on the second floor of an apartment building on Main Street at about 4:30 a.m.
Fire officials said all the residents made it out safely but the cold presented a challenge for crews trying to douse the flames.
"The weather definitely plays a role slowing down our operations," said Everett Deputy Fire Chief Joe Hickey.
The windchill made it feel like minus five degrees and firefighters needed to make sure the hydrants didn't freeze while they worked.
"In this kind of low temperature, water freezes up just trying to make sure they walk around it with gear trying to make sure they go back home safe," said Gerrardo Caceres of the Boston Sparks Association.
The fire was eventually put out but the exact cause remains under investigation.
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The American Red Cross is now assisting an unknown number of residents who were forced out of their apartments.
