A building caught on fire at 4:50 pm on Monday, Jan. 10th, 2022. First responders arrived at a laundromat with residential housing above at Glenwood St. Oak Grove Square.
The fire started from the outside of the building and reached the attic and areas of the third floor. After three alarms to assure well-supplied equipment and firefighters for the fire, the firefighters were able to get to the scene of the fire in between three to five minutes. The following cities helped stop the fire with firefighters and equipment: Melrose, Revere, Medford, Everett, Saugus, Somerville, Lynn, and Boston Fire Departments.
While the fire was fought, fire departments from Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield, Saugus, and Chelsea made sure to send more firefighters and supplies to respond to other emergencies. Following the Oak Grove fire, six more calls were made in request to the Malden Fire Department that were taken care of by the five cities.
As first responders searched the building for any residents or citizens, the building was completely empty which granted the assurance of the safety of the people. Chief Sullivan said that “Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to occupants of the building.” As the cold and icy conditions still lingered from the weather, there were injuries caused to the firefighters from slips and falls on the ice. Although the weather conditions did not stop all the firefighters from remaining on the scene and fighting the fire.
Currently, the building is not available or safe for the residents but Malden has talked with both the laundromat and residents and the Building Commissioner states that the building can be repaired, most likely. The laundromat has struggled with the expensive aftermath of the fire, and the business is closed until further notice.
Ward 3 Councilor Amanda Linehan has talked with residents and helped a household temporarily relocate. Linehan stated,“...several of the units in the building were vacant at the time of the fire, so the losses could have been much worse.” Friends of the residents set up Go Fund Me pages to support the citizens.
As the fire continues to affect many lives and business Fire Chief William Sullivan said “The fire remains under investigation by the Malden Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unitand]...is being assisted….by state police investigators from the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.”
City resources, law enforcement, housing assistance, inspection services, as well as Linehan continue to work together and make a plan. “[We]…are all working together to address the diversity of concerns facing this building and its occupants, and to make sure that whatever happens here reflects the neighborhood needs while also directing all available resources to those most immediately impacted,” Linehan stated.
A reminder from Chief Sullivan explained the importance of checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors by switching out batteries, replacing the detectors, and following manufacturer guidelines.
“I would like to acknowledge the professionalism of the Malden Police Department during this fire and the assistance they provided us…I would also acknowledge the work of Malden’s Mayor and his office staff, the Malden Building Commissioner, the Malden electrical inspectors, the American Red Cross, Cataldo Ambulance Service, the MBTA also sent buses to be used as temporary warming shelters for both residents and firefighters,” Chief Sullivan stated.
