5-alarm fire breaks out among several buildings in Lawrence, Mass.

A significant five-alarm fire erupted in Lawrence, Massachusetts, late Tuesday, affecting several multi-family homes and a restaurant. Firefighters responded to multiple 911 calls reporting explosions at five buildings on Lowell Street. Chief Pat Delaney described the fire as deep-seated and challenging, with two of the impacted structures likely to be total losses. Approximately 20 residents have been displaced, and the city plans to open a senior center to provide temporary shelter. Reports indicated that some fire hydrants were inoperable at the time of the incident, which hampered firefighting efforts.

Delaney confirmed that certain hydrants struggle to deliver adequate water for large fires. Some firefighters experienced heat exhaustion while battling the blaze in high temperatures and humidity. State fire officials are now investigating the fire's cause to determine what led to the explosions and rapid spread.