By Zac Estrada, News Staff
Seven Northeastern University students are among dozens of residents displaced from their apartments early Sunday after a five-alarm fire gutted three buildings on Calumet Street in Mission Hill.
Boston Fire Department (BFD) officials said the fire was caused by lint build-up in a dryer at 37 Calumet St. The dryer was in a room next to the kitchen of a second-floor unit.
Firefighters responded to a 12:45 a.m. call from the duplex at the 37-39 Calumet St. building. After firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze spread to 41 Calumet St, likely because of heavy winds. Crews sprayed water on 35 Calumet St. to prevent that building from catching on fire as well.
“The university has been working with the students who have been impacted by the fire,” Northeastern Director of Communications Renata Nyul said in an email Sunday to The News. “We have housing and dining arranged for all of them and are providing all necessary and appropriate assistance as needed.”
One woman was treated for smoke inhalation, but there were no other injuries. Nyul said the woman is not affiliated with the university.
From the three destroyed complexes, 29 people were displaced, according to numbers released Sunday by BFD. Twelve people living at 35 Calumet St. were displaced for the day until power was restored to the building.
Water runoff from the fire flooded the basements of six complexes on Wait Street, located below Calumet Street.
BFD said 60 people were removed from those homes and 12 who live in basement units couldn’t return Sunday night.
As of press time, Nyul did not comment on whether Northeastern students were still being assisted by the university.
Fire officials pegged damage costs around $1.2 million.
An eight-month-old pit bull died at 37 Calumet in the fire, The Boston Globe reported Monday. Firefighters rescued 22 cats, two birds and two turtles.
In September, a fire caused by a faulty heating and ventilation unit at 90 Westland Ave. displaced 12 Northeastern students. None of those students were able to move back in and the businesses on the first floor of the building remain closed.
Students affected were offered temporary housing in residence halls through the We Care program, as well as counseling and other support.
Tips to prevent a dryer fire:
Clothes dryer fires can spread quickly and cause a lot of damage, but they are often easily preventable.
Most are caused by failure to clean and maintain lint filters. Hire a professional to install and service the machine. Make sure the dryer has a lint filter that is clean and ready to use after each cycle. Look behind the dryer to make sure the air exhaust pipe is clear and the outside vent opens and is operatonal. In the winter, clear any snow that covers the vent. Clean out the exhaust pipe at least once a year, especially if your clothes are taking longer to dry.
Also, move any boxes, cleaning supplies and flammable items around the laundry area.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
