3-Alarm Somerville Fire Displaces 5

SOMERVILLE, MA – A three-alarm fire heavily damaged a home on Quincy Street Wednesday night. The fire was reported at a two-unit building shortly after 10 p.m.

Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the upper floors and flames threatening to spread to a neighboring home, according to Fire Chief Charles Breen.

"As is often the case in Somerville, due to its density, the threat of fire spread to adjacent buildings is always a concern," Breen wrote in an email. Breen said the neighboring building is "literally inches" away, and flames were "lapping" at it when firefighters arrived.

The fire is believed to have started in a second-floor bathroom ceiling before spreading through the walls and ceilings to the third floor and attic space. It took a significant amount of manpower to open the void spaces where the fire was burning and bring it under control, Breen said.

Five people were displaced, and four firefighters sustained minor injuries. A cat was found uninjured in the basement and reunited with its owner.