A firefighter assesses the top level of the three-decker building at 7 Carson Street, heavily consumed by fire | Photo by the Boston Fire DepartmentAt approximately 5:00 AM on June 12, 2024, a heavy fire broke out at the rear of an occupied three-family building at 7 Carson Street in Dorchester. The fire quickly spread to adjacent buildings on both sides, prompting a fourth alarm.
The fire department reported that the narrow walkways between the triple-decker houses in Dorchester made access difficult from the front of the buildings. Additionally, multiple power lines across the front complicated the use of aerial ladders, necessitating the use of ground ladders instead.
The department described the response as “an aggressive interior and exterior attack,” which allowed the companies to quickly contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to more buildings.
By around 6:20 AM, the fire department announced that the fire had been knocked down, and third and fourth alarm companies were wrapping up operations. The Boston Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit (BFD-FIU) was on the scene.
A total of 33 people were displaced, with Ladder 7 rescuing two elderly individuals from a third-floor unit. All residents and pets were safely evacuated, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries.
In discussions with the press, Commissioner Burke confirmed the displacement of 33 people. The Red Cross of Massachusetts and the City of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management were present to provide shelter assistance.
