“fblikebutton_button”
A three-alarm fire erupted Tuesday evening in the barn section of Suffolk Downs racetrack located in Revere. Emergency responders from throughout the region converged on the location to battle the intense, smoke-filled fire. The blaze was highly visible, with smoke billowing skyward and visible from considerable distances. When Revere Fire declared a second alarm, Chelsea Engine 3 and Ladder 2 were dispatched to assist. Working from the rear of the property for approximately three hours, both Chelsea units proved instrumental in containing the flames. Chelsea firefighters were particularly important in preventing the fire from reaching the adjacent stables, which housed horses being prepared for the May 3 Derby Day/Opening Day event. One Chelsea firefighter sustained an injury and was taken to Whidden Hospital with a possible fractured elbow.
The fire started shortly after 5 p.m. and was brought under control by 8:30 p.m. The commissary building’s kitchen, where jockeys and staff members typically dine, appears to have been the origin point. Though the commissary building was completely destroyed, the horses and stable structures were saved. According to Suffolk Downs representatives, the May 3 events will proceed as scheduled. Officials expressed appreciation to Revere, Chelsea, and other departments for their efforts in limiting the damage to a single building. Many observers noted that the outcome could have been considerably worse.
The location is precisely where Mohegan Sun has proposed constructing a casino and entertainment complex, which has drawn additional scrutiny to this incident.