EVERETT, Mass.--The four-alarm fire in Everett that injured a firefighter and left up to 20 people homeless was intentionally set, but immigrants living in the building were not the target of the blaze, investigators said today.
State fire marshal's office spokeswoman Jennifer Meith said this morning that the fire was intentionally set, but declined to comment further on what caused the blaze.
Everett police, state police and the federal office of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.
Everett Police Lt. Paul Landry said police have interviewed tenants and believe the person who started the 1 a.m. fire was not targeting the immigrants inside.
Fire officials said yesterday that police were investigating whether someone posing as an immigration official or federal agent was intimidating immigrants living in the building. Landry said they don't believe that is the case.
"The immigrant population in this building are not targets," Landry said. "Our investigators are actively following leads and hope to have some additional information."
The fire at 322-328 Main St. started in the building's basement and was largely contained to that level, although there was smoke and water damage throughout.
The three-story building housed up to 20 people in 12 apartments, as well as a market and dance studio on the first floor. The fire began in a cellar below the Al Manara Market, said Reda Elalami, 22, who works at the store.
Elalami said his father started the meat market and Middle Eastern food store six months ago. The inside of the store was destroyed, he said.
"He's still in shock," Elalami said of his dad. "It's devastating. Everything is on the floor. Everything is charcoaled black. We don't know what it's going to cost us."
The American Red Cross helped displaced tenants find shelter in local hotels.
No residents were injured. One firefighter was taken to the hospital after his air supply ran out while he was searching for trapped victims.
Deputy Fire Chief Paul Calderwood said the firefighter was pulled out through a window. He was treated for smoke inhalation and cuts.
"It was very hectic, but the firefighters under some heavy smoke and fire conditions were able to go in and make sure everybody was out," Calderwood said.
Republished with permission of The Boston Herald.
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