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Dec 16, 2007 5:21 pm US/Eastern
Weather Halts Recovery At Gloucester Fire Scene
Crews To Return Monday To Resume Search For Victim
GLOUCESTER (WBZ) ―
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The eight alarm fire destroyed an apartment building and temple.
WBZ/Jay Albert
Sunday's snow storm halted recovery efforts at the scene of this weekend's deadly fire in Gloucester. One person was killed, and an apartment complex and temple destroyed in the eight-alarm blaze early Saturday morning.
The apartment landlord told WBZ-TV that the victim's name is Bob Taylor, an older gentleman who lived alone in the building for about 20 years. Because of harsh weather conditions, his body remained inside the fire scene Sunday. Crews will return Monday to resume the recovery process.
The fire began in the basement of the Lorraine Apartments and spread quickly. Firefighters were able to safely evacuate the first three floors of the building, before fierce flames chased them out.
Crews attempted to rescue Taylor through a window , but according to Gloucester Fire Chief Barry McKay, the flames were too intense.
"The fire was blasting so badly, two of my firefighters had to bail out under emergency conditions simply to survive," McKay told WBZ-TV.
The Lorraine Apartment building was reduced to rubble, as was the adjacent Temple Avahat Achim. Rabbi Samuel Barth vowed to rebuild the temple, which was the home of worship for more than 200 families.
Other neighboring buildings were saved by the snowpack on their roofs, which extinguished burning embers.
The cause of the blaze has not been determined.
A fund has been set up to help the victims of the Gloucester fire.
The Gloucester Fund
45 Middle Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-490-0001
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