Eleven families were displaced after a fire tore through two Union St 3-deckers early Wednesday morning. Working fire alarms allowed all residents to safely escape.

At approximately 3:25 AM on Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, a 1st alarm assignment was struck for a reported building fire at 7-9 Union St. While en route, Southbridge Car 2 spotted visible fire from across town and immediately requested a 2nd alarm. A 3rd alarm was rapidly struck as first-due companies arrived and found heavy fire showing from two neighboring 3-deckers, 7-9 and 11-13 Union St, and multiple vehicles parked between the buildings.

Firefighters were able to knock a bulk of the fire down within approximately 30 minutes but it had already extended into the cocklofts of both buildings. Aerials were put into operation to access the stubborn fire as crews went interior ensuring all other fire had been knocked down. As the clock continued and temperatures hovered around 30 degrees Fahrenheit additional alarms were struck to bring in additional units. The incident escalated to a 7th alarm before the fire was placed under control at approximately 6:30 AM.

Thanks to working fire alarms all occupants of the 3-deckers were awoken and safely evacuated the building uninjured. One firefighter was transported to UMass Memorial Harrington Hospital with a hand injury.

The origin of the fire is currently under investigation by the Southbridge Fire Investigation Unit, Southbridge Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.