Fire damages two-family home in Leominster

LEOMINSTER -- Two people were left temporarily homeless when a fire damaged a multifamily home at 36 Boutelle St. shortly after midnight Thursday, said Deputy Fire Chief Gary Ranno.

The fire appeared to start in a stairwell bulkhead leading to the basement, Ranno said.

"Fire on the left-hand side of the building on the bulkhead extending to the basement and first floor," he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

It only took about 20 minutes to put out the flames, but then firefighters spent an extended period making sure the fire didn't extend inside the home's walls, which have a balloon construction.

"So we have to check the walls very carefully because of the lack of fire stopping and older insulation that was installed," Ranno said.

The electricity was shut off to the home until the electrical wiring is repaired.

There was a single resident in the first- and second-floor apartments.

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Fire damages two-family home in Leominster