LAWRENCE, MA- A fast-moving fire damaged as many as five buildings in a congested area in the northern part of the city on Easter Sunday, April 4th.

Lawrence Fire Alarm dispatched the Box at 6:58 P.M. and immediately advised the responding Deputy Car 21 John McInnis that fire alarm was receiving numerous calls and could see heavy smoke showing. The Deputy arrived to find a two-story wood-frame and a two-and-a-half story, wood-frame, multi-family structure fully involved. Deputy McInnis immediately struck the second and third alarms, as fire was spreading fast.

The buildings in the Saratoga Street area also spread to Bennington Street as several mutual aid towns were sent directly to the scene. The original fire buildings involved were located at 14 Saratoga and 34 Saratoga Street.

Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty was staged in the nearby Bennington Street area while Deputy Chief McInnis was stationed on Saratoga Street. A fourth and then fifth alarm were transmitted, along with special calls to the scene and to cover the city. Several Tower Ladders and hand lines were in operation to protect the congested neighborhood, and most of the fire was knocked down by 9:30 P.M. Firefighters worked for several hours overhauling the buildings and checking for hot spots. There were no reports of any injuries.