A massive fire ripped through a strip mall in Lynnfield Tuesday night, destroying multiple businesses. The blaze started around 9 p.m. at the complex on Post Office Square. By morning, the extent of the damage was clear.
Lynnfield Fire Chief Glenn Davis said most of the affected businesses are likely total losses. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the fire occurred after the businesses had closed for the day. At least five businesses lost everything in the flames.
Early reports suggest the fire may have originated near Old Towne Market, located in the middle of the strip. It then quickly spread to neighboring shops, including a Dunkin’. Davis noted the old building lacked sprinklers, and the shared attic space allowed the fire to travel rapidly.
“That’s the problem with these old buildings, there’s no sprinklers in them,” he said. Multiple fire departments responded to battle the blaze. Mohammad Oagdezzamann, owner of Old Towne Market, was devastated.
Lynnfield strip mall destruction
His family has run the business for over a decade. “Looks like there is nothing left, everything collapsed as you can see,” he said.
“When we came here we started crying, broke down, it’s really horrible to see.”
The fire forced nearby businesses to close Wednesday due to gas and electricity being cut off, including the Lynnfield Medical office building. Jen Tremblay, who works in the plaza, expressed disbelief. “I can’t believe it, what this parking lot looks like right now.
I feel so sad,” she said. Local resident Taylor Jenkins called it a major loss for the community. “That Dunks is full of locals every morning.
My daughter did karate right at the Cervizzi’s on the corner, so it’s going to be pretty tough. And the little mart there, every time you go in you see somebody local, so it’s too bad,” he said. Investigators do not believe the fire is suspicious at this time.
The Massachusetts fire marshal will be at the scene Wednesday morning as the investigation into the cause continues.
- CBSNews.”Massive Lynnfield strip mall fire destroys multiple businesses”.
- NBCBoston.”‘Everything was on fire’: Blaze destroys businesses in Lynnfield strip mall”.
- WHDH.”‘There is nothing left’: Several businesses total losses in Lynnfield blaze”.