Two firefighters suffered minor injuries Sunday when the Boston Fire Department responded to a 5-alarm blaze in the city's Dorchester neighborhood in the midst of an excessive heat warning in Boston.
Temperatures Sunday have been in the 90s with the heat index over 100, and one of the injuries was heat-related, according to Chief of Operations Gerard Fontana.
"The equipment is designed to protect you from the heat so you know on a day like today, it's tough to operate," Fontana said.
"I'm praying for our Boston firefighters that are out here in this excruciating heat fighting this battle," one man on scene said.
The fire broke out around 3:45 p.m. Sunday at 439 Quincy Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters reported heavy fire from the rear porches that had spread to the top floor and to the adjacent buildings on each side, the department said. Pictures shared on the department's Twitter account showed extensive porch damage.
The heavy fire was knocked down by 4:30 p.m., and major overhauling is being done.
The fire department shared that multiple alarms were ordered to help rotate crews due to the heat, which NBC10 Boston Meteorologist Chris Gloninger echoed in a tweet, saying the five alarms would allow firefighters to take breaks and rehydrate in an effort to combat heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Approximately 30 people were displaced by the fire, and the Red Cross was called in to assist.
Damages are estimated at $400,000, Fontana said.
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There is extensive damage to the rear of the building where the fire originated, but the three buildings are not believed to be total losses at this point, according to Fontana.
There's no immediate word on what may have caused the fire, but the department's fire investigation unit is on scene to determine the cause.
