Gas Stove Caused Massive North Shore Fire That Destroyed Church, Triple Decker

LYNN, MA — A massive five-alarm North Shore fire that destroyed a home and nearby church — which drew mutual aid to Lynn from 10 neighboring departments on Friday night, including Salem, Marblehead, Swampscott and Peabody — was likely caused by a gas stove malfunction.

State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan said the gas stove malfunction or its piping likely caused the massive blaze in ruling it accidental on Monday.

"Our hearts remain with the families that lost their home and all our community members who
lost their church," Sullivan said. "More than a dozen people have been displaced, and many more lost a house of worship that represents a home away from home.

"We are deeply grateful that our residents are safe and that the fire was contained before it could spread further in this densely built neighborhood."

One occupant was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is "expected to recover." A Cataldo Ambulance employee was also taken to the hospital for an injury.

Several firefighters suffered slip-and-fall injuries that did not require medical attention.

Lynn fire crews responded to the fire on Estes Street Friday night and found smoke and heavy fire coming from the home. Lynn fire said the blaze spread quickly through the three-story and extended to the Iglesia Evangelica Congregational Church — just about 10 feet away from the home.

Winds up to 20 miles per hour and cold temperatures hampered firefighting efforts as large embers blowing toward nearby homes threatened to engulf additional buildings. Because of that, evacuations were ordered.

Investigators said on Monday they found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set. They determined that the fire began in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment at 60 Estes Street in the area of its gas stove.

Based on witness interviews and their observations at the scene, investigators said they found that a mechanical malfunction was the most likely cause, though the exact nature of the malfunction could not be determined.

The fire departments of Swampscott, Melrose, Saugus, Revere, Salem, Marblehead, Peabody, Lynnfield, Chelsea, and Boston responded to provide mutual aid.