Residents rescued from Greenfield blaze

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A five-alarm fire tore through a building Sunday morning that was home to more than 20 people and several businesses.

Greenfield Fire Chief Michael Winn told 22News the fire began at around 8:30 a.m. at 29 Chapman Street.

Several people were trapped inside when firefighters arrived. However, all 21 residents made it out safely.

One firefighter was injured and taken to Franklin Medical Center. Chief Winn said he is expected to be okay.

Although the building is almost a complete loss, it would have been much worse if it weren’t for some very heroic acts.

Chief Winn said that firefighters with the help of bystanders rescued 6 or 7 people from the building’s fire escapes.

“These firefighters and bystanders raised a ground ladder up against the building and were able to help the residents off the fire escapes and onto the street,” Chief Winn said.

The fire destroyed a second-hand furniture store on the bottom floor of the four story building. Charlotte Morin and Ada Naser own the store.

Morin told 22News, "Even two dogs and one cat got out, they took the two dogs down on the ladder.”

Both Morin and Naser say they are looking to the future even as their livelihood was destroyed.

Firefighters were still spraying water on the building well after dark Sunday.

Chief Winn told 22News it appears the fire started in apartment 6 on the 3rd floor.

The State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the fire.

Donations to the fire victims are being accepted at 20 School Street in town.