Five-Alarm Lynn Fire Was Accidental, Investigators Find

Fire Began with Malfunction Involving Gas Stove or Piping

LYNN—The five-alarm house fire that extended to a nearby church started accidentally and was most likely caused by a malfunction of a residential gas stove or its piping, said Lynn Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine.

“Our hearts remain with the families that lost their home and all our community members who lost their church,” said Chief Sullivan. “More than a dozen people have been displaced, and many more lost a house of worship that represents a home away from home. We are deeply grateful that our residents are safe and that the fire was contained before it could spread further in this densely built neighborhood.”

The fire at 60 Estes St. was first reported just after 8:20 on Friday night. The first responding firefighters reported smoke showing on arrival and heavy fire inside. Despite the danger, they undertook an initial search to ensure that all occupants were out of the building. The fire spread quickly through the three-story, multi-family home and to the rear of the Iglesia Evangelica Congregacional Church, which stood about 10 feet away from the original fire building.

Firefighters battled against the growing fire, winds of 20 miles per hour, and large embers blowing toward nearby residential structures. They evacuated several Broad Street homes as a precaution to limit potential injuries but were able to contain the fire with support from numerous regional fire departments.

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Lynn Fire Department and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office with assistance from ATF special agents. They found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set. They determined that the fire began in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment at 60 Estes St, and specifically in the area of its gas stove. Based on witness interviews and their observations at the scene, they found that a mechanical malfunction was the most likely cause, though the exact nature of the malfunction could not be determined.

The fire departments of Swampscott, Melrose, Saugus, Revere, Salem, Marblehead, Peabody, Lynnfield, Chelsea, and Boston responded to provide mutual aid. The Salvation Army and Atlantic EMS provided firefighter rehab at the scene. The MBTA provided a bus for temporary shelter and the Red Cross of Massachusetts is assisting 18 displaced residents. One occupant was transported for evaluation and is expected to recover. A Cataldo Ambulance employee was also transported after an injury at the scene, and several firefighters experienced slip-and-fall injuries that did not require medical attention.