Person hospitalized, 2 pets killed in South Boston fire

Local News

Damages are estimated at around $600,000. 

One person was hospitalized and two pets were killed in a house fire in South Boston on Tuesday night.

The Boston Fire Department responded to smoke showing at 843 E 4th St. in South Boston at 8:43 pm. Three injuries were reported, with one person being transported to Mass. General Hospital for smoke inhalation, according to Steven Shaffer, Deputy Chief Division 1 at Boston Fire Department, who spoke to reporters at the scene.

Seven occupants were displaced from their home, Shaffer said. Displaced residents were assisted by Boston Fire and the Red Cross.

Sharon Galloway, a spokesperson for Boston Fire Department, told the Boston Globe that one dog was rescued and several cats were missing, possibly having escaped the building when firefighters opened doors and windows, but one dog and one cat did not survive the fire. 

The fire was in the basement of the three-story, six-family residence and extended to the first floor rear with extensive damage from smoke on the upper floors, according to Shaffer. Damages are estimated at around $600,000. 

As seen in a video posted by External Affairs Porter on YouTube, firefighters attempted to access nearby fire hydrants, but one was broken and another was frozen. Firefighters quickly rectified the situation by using another hydrant. 

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation, according to Boston Fire.