A tough 2 rounds!

Crews found themselves in the 2nd round before they even step foot into the rig. With heavy smoke showing as the rigs approached Victor Street. The 1st due rig pulled up and reported fire showing from the rear.

It went to the 2nd round so fast Fire Alarm was so confused if they should be calling it a working fire or a second alarm over the squawk boxes.

As the smoke pushed from the building and the 1st in crews began stretching lines the air also filled with the sounds of more sirens racing towards the scene. Lawrence, Methuen and Groveland sending engines along with Salem NH tower ladder.

But even with the additional help of the 2nd alarm crews the flames of the beast knocked the crews around for the several minutes in the 2nd round, the flames being fanned by high winds. A narrow tight street filled with overhead wires made it had to get rigs in and positioned to be effective. Water supply issues would haunt crews to the bitter end.

Crews set up several big guns 2.5" lines and deck guns to get the wet stuff on the red stuff; but; it just would not do with the winds fanning across a large field behind the building the red stuff would get up under the flat top roof and run the length of the building and taking ahold of the 3rd floor.

Feeder lines would snake the Cities street for blocks, blocking streets and intersections all around the scene. Haverhill PD would have to block many intersection and roads preventing cars from driving over the hoses.

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services would respond with the regional Rehab Rig and M8 Special Operation (Mechanic) Unit.

But in the end after a long and hard fought battle crews would put the final knock down blows on the fire as the sky grew dark.

American Red Cross responded and assisted for several people displaced by the fire.