Officials believe nine-alarm Chelsea fire started from human activity, asking for help locating cause of fire

CHELSEA, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services announced a nine-alarm fire in Chelsea was believed to have started from “some form” of human activity.

Local and state fire investigators are asking for the public’s help in finding the cause of the fire and identifying the person or people involved.

“The evidence so far suggests that one or more people were present when the fire broke out,” State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said.

On Nov. 18, crews from about two dozen departments across the region were sent to Forbes Street in Chelsea for a nine-alarm structure fire.

Around 12:30 a.m., multiple callers from as far as Revere reported the fire, with eight alarms struck within 20 minutes.

Crews remained on scene throughout the night and the next day, making sure the flames were fully extinguished.

No firefighters or civilians were reported injured.

Officials said the building had not had power in years, and was known to locals as a place where juveniles, homeless people, and others would visit.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri and State Fire Marshal Davine ask anyone with information on the cause of the fire or on anyone involved to call the Arson Watch Reward Program’s hotline at 800-682-9229.

The program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that “detects or prevents arson crimes.”