Massive Boston Blaze: 3 Firefighters Get EMS Transport; $4M In Damage

BOSTON — About 150 firefighters were battling a massive blaze at a trash transfer station Sunday in Boston, according to authorities, who said three firefighters required emergency medical attention.

The Boston Fire Department notified the public of heavy smoke from the station on Gerard Street in Roxbury shortly before 9 a.m. At that time it was a five-alarm fire, but within 30 minutes it had escalated to an eight-alarm fire that crews continued to fight throughout the day.

As of about 5 p.m., damages were estimated at $4 million and the cause was still under investigation. Companies were set to remain at the scene through the evening.

Firefighters used thousands of feet of hose, portable deck guns, foam and ladder pipes to attack the blaze from outside the building, although windy conditions limited visibility, according to the department.

"This is going to be a long haul, could be more than a day,” Fire Commissioner Paul Burke said in a media briefing published by WCVB 5, during which he noted the building contained construction material and advised drivers to avoid the area. "We're going to have to go in there at some point and the hazards are unlimited.”

As of 4:30 p.m., three firefighters had been transported by Boston Emergency Medical Services.

The Boston Public Health Commission warned nearby residents Sunday afternoon to close their doors and windows and turn off any HVAC systems until the smoke was gone.