Haverhill firefighters on the roof at 355 Main St. (Jay Saulnier photograph for WHAV News.)
There were no injuries reported as a result of a fire early Thursday afternoon at a mixed residential and commercial building at the corner of Main and Howard Streets.
Haverhill Fire Chief William F. Laliberty said that while an investigation continues, he has reached a preliminary conclusion about the cause of the fire at 355 Main St.
“It was accidental—an accidental fire in a bedroom.”
The fire broke out shortly after noon at the building that contained three apartments, and firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control.
“When I got there, I made sure nobody got hurt, everybody was accounted for and no firefighters were injured at the time,” the chief told WHAV News.
Although no injuries, eight residents are reported homeless. The Red Cross went to work to find temporary homes for them.
Laliberty explained the usual investigative process following a major fire. “Fire marshal is on scene. It is our usual joint task force—fire marshal, local police and local fire—investigative team that we all get together and we try to solve these fires.”
City records indicate the 355 Main St. building dates back to 1900 and is owned by Douglas R. Locke. The building formerly housed a consignment shop on the first floor.