Chelsea Firefighters dealt with two significant fires over the weekend at high-rise buildings located on Admirals Hill, with one occurring at the Leonard Florence Center for Living (LFCFL).
On Friday morning, April 8, a fire broke out when materials used in apartment renovations caused an explosion at Chelsea Village Apartments. According to reports in local media, 96-year-old Charles Lanzillo, a former Chelsea Record employee, became trapped on the third floor. His daughter, Joan Lanzillo, who formerly served as Chelsea Director of Public Buildings, was visiting and managed to rescue him.
The alarm came in at Box 915 for 5 Admirals Way on the third floor. Chelsea E3, commanded by Acting Lt. Purcell, arrived first and found heavy smoke and fire confined to a single apartment. They requested the next Engine Company to pressurize the standpipe so they could deploy an attack line.
Deputy Chief Ulwick took command upon arrival and declared it a working fire. E3 worked alongside T1 and L2 to suppress the main fire, while E1, Everett E2, and L1 were called in specifically to conduct search and rescue operations and evacuate residents from upper floors. The Chelsea Fire Investigation Unit and State Fire Marshals Office responded as well. Power to affected areas was shut off. Investigation of the fire remains ongoing.
Saturday morning, April 9, brought a second fire when Chelsea Fire Alarm received a Box Alarm from the LFCFL at 165 Captains Row. While responding, dispatch reported a stove fire on the sixth floor. Firefighters under Deputy Robert Cameron arrived to find heavy smoke and a stove fire spreading into the walls and ceiling of the east wing kitchen on the sixth floor.
E2 and L1 used the fifth floor standpipe to attack the main fire while E1, 3 and L2, working with facility personnel, evacuated and relocated several residents to the west wing until the fire was controlled.
Cataldo Ambulance responded to evaluate residents on the fourth floor experiencing respiratory complaints. Chelsea Fire Prevention and ISD members also attended the scene.
Investigation into this fire is ongoing.