An explosion and fire in an industrial complex in Methuen, Massachusetts on
December 11, 1995 injured 37 people and destroyed nearly one million square feet of
manufacturing space. Several workers were critically burned by the initial explosion and
6 firefighters received minor injuries as the incident progressed. The ensuing fire, driven
by 40 mile per hour winds, destroyed several large buildings in the complex, which
straddled the municipal boundary between the cities of Lawrence and Methuen.
Malden Mills, a manufacturer of insulated fabric for winter clothing, was the
largest employer in the area and the fire put about 1700 people out of work. The damage
estimate stands at $500 million, the largest property damage fire loss in the history of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Fire brands ignited a fire in a furniture refinishing
company more than one quarter of a mile away.
The fire required the evacuation of over 60 neighborhood homes for several
days. Floating embers ignited several spot fires.
In all about 55 area fire and EMS agencies responded to the incident with more
than 400 personnel and 100 pieces of apparatus. The fire took over twelve hours to
bring under control.
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