50 displaced by massive residential building fire in Chelsea

A massive fire broke out in a residential building in Chelsea Wednesday morning, affecting 18 units and approximately 50 residents at 185 Washington Ave., officials say.

The fire was reported at 12:33 a.m. and response teams — including the Chelsea Fire Department, Police Department, and Office of Emergency Management — were dispatched to the scene, according to a statement from the City of Chelsea.

“Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of our first responders, the fire was brought under control within a few hours,” the statement said.

Irene Alfaro, 23, was going to sleep in her fourth floor apartment when her mother banged on her door, the Boston Globe reported.

“She was yelling, ‘The apartment’s on fire, we need to get out,’” Alfaro told the Globe. Upon opening the door, she could not see her mother’s face because it was hidden by a wall of thick smoke, Alfaro told the newspaper.

All residents have now been accounted for and are receiving services, authorities said. One resident was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.

The city is working with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, MEMA, and La Colaborativa to assist residents who have been displaced by fire, Chelsea officials said. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Chelsea Fire Department.

“The City extends its deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to this incident,” the statement said. “Their dedication and quick action undoubtedly prevented a more severe outcome.”