Lowell City official: Bridge Street fire displaced at least 25 people; cleanup underway

A Lowell City official said an evening fire on Bridge Street damaged six buildings and displaced at least 25 people, and city crews are coordinating inspections and cleanup in the hardest-hit neighborhoods.

The official told attendees the fire originated on Bridge Street and, because of embers and wind, spread up the block to Wachusett and jumped to May Street, reaching roughly 150 yards along the street. "There was a lot going on in that area," the official said.

The official thanked the Red Cross for immediate assistance and said Assistant City Manager Machado will be in touch with building inspectors and the Department of Public Works to manage recovery. "As soon as it's safe to do so we'll have our DPW folks over there," the official said.

City crews will prioritize clearing debris and catch basins after the large volume of water used to fight the fire, the official said, noting the city will pull staff from other parts of Lowell to help. "We're going to pull as much as we can from out from throughout the city into that area to clean it up," the official said.

Residents of the Sunnyside neighborhood were asked for patience while cleanup and inspections proceed. The official warned several buildings are "in real rough shape" and will require additional work.

On health impacts, the official said everyone who was transported to the hospital "appears to be in good shape," and again thanked the Lowell Fire Department, crews from surrounding towns and the Lowell Police Department for their rapid response.

City officials said they will follow up with more information as building inspections and cleanup continue.