Firefighter Tom Ross works to extinguish flames spreading in a rear wall of 68-70 Holland Street on April 16. – Photo by Somerville Fire Department.

On April 16 at  11:08 a.m. the Somerville Fire Department responded to fire in a three unit dwelling fire at 68-70 Holland Street. Firefighters discovered a fire burning in a first floor rear stairway ceiling which had burnt through a rear wall to a second floor porch. Flames also spread through ceiling and wall spaces to the upper floors in the rear of the building. Firefighters had to open up numerous walls and ceilings to extinguish the fire. Damage is estimated in excess of $100,000 and displaced occupants of all three apartments. One firefighter was treated for a facial laceration at the scene.  Firefighters cleared the scene at 1:06 p.m.

The cause of the fire has been determined to have been of electrical origin in the first floor rear stairway ceiling.

(from the Somerville Fire Department)

Firefighter Tom Ross is treated for a facial laceration by an EMT from Cataldo Ambulance during the fire. – Photo by Somerville Fire Department.

A ladder is raised as smoke envelopes Firefighter Mike Finnegan working on a rear porch of 68-70 Holland St.

Additional photos by Bobbie Toner