By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Marlborough – A six-alarm fire yesterday at the Lake Williams Condominiums on West Main Street (Route 20) has left 67 residents temporarily homeless while crews assess the condition of the building.
The fire broke out Monday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. on the top floor of the four-story building, located at 271-277 West Main St., and quickly spread. Crews from 11 neighboring communities battled alongside Marlborough firefighters throughout the day to contain the fire until it was quelled by late afternoon.
Because of the fire's location alongside busy Route 20, that road was closed east and westbound for much of the day to allow room for emergency vehicles. Exits from Route 495 to Route 20 were also closed for most of the day as well.
According to Fire Chief James Fortin, it is not yet known what caused the fire.
“We have crews investigating on site today along with the State Fire Marshall's office,” he said. “Hopefully we will have some answers by the end of the week.”
The chief noted that fire crews from Berlin, Framingham, Hopkinton, Hudson, Natick, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury and Westborough assisted at the fire or provided coverage at the city's fire stations.
“We very much appreciate the assistance of the other neighboring towns,” he said.
Fortin added that the city had faced several similar sized fires in the early 2000s, but “this is one of the biggest ones we'se had in a while.”
There were no human fatalities or injuries reported; but several firefighters were transported to area hospitals and treated for minor injuries and released.
The American Red Cross and Marlborough Council on Aging (COA) is assisting displaced residents at the Marlborough Senior Center, 250 Main St. The city is asking that residents check in personally with the Red Cross at the COA as soon as possible or by calling 508-485-6492.
In a press release, Mayor Arthur Vigeant praised the efforts of the Marlborough Fire Department and Fortin for their actions in “containing the blaze and executing a swift evacuation of the building.”
“The most important thing to report is that there was no loss of life and we are all very grateful for that,” Vigeant said. “Our fire department, once again, did a great job containing what was a very difficult and challenging situation.”
Vigeant also praised the Marlborough Police Department, Department of Public Works and Housing Departments, as well as the neighboring communities that aided in the emergency response efforts.
(Photos/Sue Wambolt)
