Five-Alarm Fire Spreads to Four Buildings in Salisbury, Massachusetts

Published:August 15, 2026 · Reviewed by Ertuğrul Öz, Certified Fire Chief & Training Specialist

Situation Summary

A fire broke out at a multi-family home at 24 Atlantic Avenue in Salisbury, Massachusetts, Friday evening, August 14, 2026. Salisbury Fire Chief Scott Carrigan said the department received a 911 call around 6:52 p.m. reporting a structure fire. Salisbury Police arrived at approximately 6:56 p.m. and reported heavy smoke showing, with at least one person already suffering serious burn injuries. The fire escalated quickly: Salisbury Fire Car 2 struck a first alarm at about 6:57 p.m., and within minutes a third alarm was transmitted for additional mutual aid as the scale of the fire became apparent. That response was rapidly upgraded to a fifth alarm at approximately 7:22 p.m. as crews reported fire showing through the roofs of two structures.

Fire Spread to Four Buildings

Because of the close spacing of buildings along Atlantic Avenue, the fire spread beyond the building of origin. Chief Carrigan said heavy fire shot through two buildings before quickly spreading to two more, bringing the total to four structures involved. At least two buildings sustained significant damage, with officials saying other nearby structures may have suffered minor damage as well. Firefighters transitioned from offensive interior operations to a defensive strategy as the involved structures became too unstable to enter safely, shifting their focus to keeping the fire from spreading further along the densely packed corridor.

Injuries and Medical Response

At least two people were injured in the fire. Two people were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. No firefighters were reported injured in the incident.

Mutual Aid Response

Because of the fire's location and rapid growth, mutual aid took time to reach the scene, according to Chief Carrigan. Ultimately, approximately 15 communities from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire sent fire and police personnel to assist Salisbury crews, according to officials. Massachusetts State Police also assisted with traffic control and detours in the area as the multi-alarm response unfolded. An off-duty firefighter from another department, whose affiliation was not immediately confirmed, was also reported to have assisted Salisbury firefighters with rescue and suppression operations during the early stages of the incident.

Investigation and Cause

The cause and origin of the fire have not been determined, and investigators remain at the scene examining how the blaze started and spread. No official cause has been released to the public as of this writing.

What's Ahead

Fire marshals and investigators continue to examine the scene to determine the fire's origin and cause. This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available from Salisbury Fire and mutual aid partner agencies.

This is a developing story. Sources: Merrimack Valley Stringer, Boston 25 News, WHDH 7News, Newburyport News.