Boston

Fireworks to Blame for 4-Alarm Dorchester Fire That Displaced 20

The fire started at the rear of a home on Mount Everett Street and spread to a house next door

A roaring 4-alarm fire caused about $1 million in damages after it charred two triple-decker homes in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood.

The fire started at about 1:30 a.m. at the rear of a home on Mount Everett Street when the flames spread to a house next door. Boston fire officials said the rear porches of one of the buildings collapsed.

"Heard the alarm and we heard people bamming on the door down here saying, 'get out, get out there's a fire,'" recalled resident Dorothy Wideman.

Boston Fire said Friday afternoon the inferno was sparked by fireworks.

"This is the reason we try to warn of the dangers and the damages they can cause. This is why they are illegal," read a statement from Boston Fire.

About 20 people were displaced in the fire and were allowed to return to their homes at about 5 a.m. to grab some of their belongings. They will be assisted by the Red Cross.

No injuries were reported in connection to the blaze.

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

"I guess I will just go to a hotel right now and see where we go from here," said one displaced resident.

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