Chilly temps make fire fight difficult

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) -- Cold temperatures made fighting an early morning fire difficult for crews in Fall River.

“It makes for very slippery conditions. In addition to fighting the fire you have to be very cautious about where you walk,” said Fall River Fire District Chief John Lynch.

Firefighters got the call around 3 a.m. and found a multi-use building on Pleasant Street fully involved. Officials said the fire alarm in the building went off for about 30 minutes before residents called them.

Five residents on the upper floors were inside at the time and were able to escape unharmed. The first floor is used for commercial space, while the top three floors are apartments.

The first floor is currently for rent and was vacant at the time of the fire. In the past, it was a convenience store.

One firefighter suffered a minor wrist injury, but stayed at the scene to help out fire crews.

Investigators said the fire is not believed to be suspicious.