Fire crews knock down six-alarm fire in Wakefield

WAKEFIELD, Mass. — Fire crews were successfully able to extinguish a large fire at a building in Wakefield.

Fire crews battling heavy flames in Wakefield

According to Wakefield Fire Chief Thomas Purcell, crews were dispatched around 2:30 PM to 102 Foundry Street to reports of a fire. Once there, firefighters were met with heavy flames.

Several other fire stations were called to provide aid on the scene.

Fire Chief Purcell said that fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, the heat caused difficulty containing the flames. Several people were evaluated for heat-related issues.

Yvonne lives across the street from the building that caught fire. She was there watching when the flames first erupted.

“There were three windows and I could see the fire inside,” she said. “It just gradually worked its way all the way to the end. There were flames, and then they came out. They broke these windows so that they could get the water inside. That was interesting.”

Yvonne said she wasn’t worried the flames would hop the street to her building. She says the effort from all the firefighters was incredible to see.

“I was very impressed with them I was worried about them. 100 degrees in the sun and 50 pounds of gear on.”

The fire did cause the building’s roof to collapse. Chief Purcell added that the fire is under control and that crews are monitoring for hot spots.

According to the police department, traffic is being heavily affected in the area. Multiple streets will be closed for the time being, including:

Foundry Street
Broadway Street between North Avenue & Lake Street.
North Avenue between Main Street and West Water Street.

Additionally, the fire has impacted MBTA commuter rail, with train 1249 on the Haverhill line now being terminated as fire crews continue working in the area. Chief Purcell made the call to shut down all train traffic going through the area. The MBTA advises passengers on that line to take train 1263 on the Haverhill line.

Haverhill Line Train 1249 (2:55 PM from North Station) has been terminated at Wakefield due to Fire department activity. Passengers may consider Haverhill Line 1263 (5:05 PM from North Station).
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) August 7, 2026

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), they, alongside Massachusetts State Police and Wakefield Fire, are investigating the incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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