Woman, 2 Children Rescued From Balcony During Fire In Boston’s South End

BOSTON (CBS) – A woman and two children were rescued from the top floor of a brownstone in Boston’s South End during a Wednesday morning fire.

© Provided by CBS Boston

A child is rescued from a Boston fire. (Image Credit: Jason Pratt)

It happened around 8 a.m. on West Newton Street.

With smoke pouring out of the home, firefighters used a ladder to rescue the woman, who is deaf, and children from the fourth floor. The woman was alerted to the fire by strobe lights that activated with the smoke alarm.

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A woman and children are rescued from a South End home. (Image Credit: Boston Fire Department)

Heavy fire was knocked down in less than an hour.

The Boston Fire Department called it a “great team save” to bring the woman and children down the ladder to safety.

“It’s just making sure you have a good grip on them because it’s terrifying carrying a toddler down, or even an infant,” said Lt. Michael Guilfoyle. “The guys staggered out, did a great job, we just transferred them down the ladder to each other.”

A great team save by the members of Ladder 4. Working together for a positive outcome, at the 2 alarm fire at 68 West Newton st. pic.twitter.com/2qxcCYnT07

— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) December 2, 2020

Eight people, two turtles, a cat, and a dog were displaced as a result of the fire.

No injuries were reported, but not all pets survived. The mother and children were taken to the hospital as a precaution with smoke inhalation.

Companies clearing up from 2nd alarm fire on W. Newton St, SE. There will be 8 people (2 children), 2 turtles, a cat & a dog displaced. Not all pets made it. No firefighters injured. pic.twitter.com/SJ6JuEPGBA

— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) December 2, 2020

There’s no word yet on how or where the fire started.

“It could have been a lot worse. We were fortunate. Everything worked out as it should,” said Fire Chief Neal Mullane.