The building prior to the fire
JULY 14, 2016
BROCKTON, MASS.
A massive fire ripped through a building in downtown Brockton Thursday night, causing it to partially collapse.
The seven-alarm blaze broke out in the area of 243 North Montello St., and the Brockton Enterprise reported that smoke from the fire was visible from Avon and other surrounding communities.
Firefighters said the owner of the building was working on a car when it may have backfired, sparking the blaze.
He and a friend were able to get out and they were not injured.
The flames spread quickly due to the dry wood in the building and strong winds in the area, officials said.
Fire crews from several communities were brought to the scene to help extinguish the flames, and the Brockton Emergency Management Agency advised people to avoid the area.
Fire officials said the building, which used to be an old lumber yard, partially collapsed during the fire,
One firefighter was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.