Boston Fire Seek Cause of South End Blaze; Propane Tanks Under Suspicion

BOSTON, MA — A heavy fire broke out on a Rutland Street rooftop in Boston's South End Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Boston Fire Department, trucks responded to the four-story brownstone at 73 Rutland St. around 3:30 p.m., where they ordered two alarms.

As of about 4 p.m., the heaviest fire has been knocked down, according to Boston Fire. There are no reported injuries. However, firefighters remain on the scene as they search for hot spots.

The fire, which started at No. 73, also spread to 71 and 75 Rutland, according to Boston Fire. The electricity is off in those buildings due to water soaking through the ceilings, BFD said.

In total, the fire department initially estimates the damage to all three building at about a half-million dollars. That's $300,000 estimated at 73 Rutland, and $100,000 apiece in damages to the buildings at 71 and 75 Rutland St.

Early reports suggest the fire started with an exploded propane tank, possibly on the roof. The Boston Fire Department is investigating:

Boston Fire provided a few other images from the scene as well:

Top photo via Boston Fire Department and Twitter user @HubHappenings (used with permission)