Fundraisers Aid Wayland Businesses Devastated By 4-Alarm Fire

WAYLAND, MA — Local residents are raising money for two businesses devastated by a four-alarm fire that broke out at a Route 27 commercial plaza this week.

Wayland firefighters responded to International Auto Body just before 4 p.m. Tuesday and arrived to find heavy fire and smoke pouring from the building. Wayland firefighters, along with firefighters from nearby communities, battled explosions and out-of-control power lines before putting the blaze out.

The fire completely destroyed International Auto Body, although fire walls prevent a similar amount of damage at Liberty Pizza and Town Cleaners on either side of the automotive garage, Chief Neil McPherson said.

Local residents started a GoFundMe fundraiser for International Auto Body owner Joe Sorrenti on Tuesday, and have raised nearly $20,000 toward a $50,000 goal.

Meanwhile, three students from nearby Wayland Middle School who frequented Liberty Pizza have set up a separate GoFundMe fundraiser for the restaurant. The students are hoping to raise $10,000.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation as of Wednesday. Firefighters from Sherborn, Framingham, Lincoln, Weston, Marlborough and Concord assisted Wayland at the scene, and more from Ashland, Hudson and Wellesley provided station coverage during the fight.