Firefighters battle stubborn three-alarm blaze in Beverly

By David Rattigan and John R. Ellement, Globe staff

A three-alarm apartment fire in Beverly is under control, but firefighters expect to remain on the scene for hours putting out hotspots.

"It appears to have been going in the cockloft for some time before it was discovered," said Beverly Fire Capt. Peter O'Connor. He said the six-family, three-story building on Cabot Street is a total loss.

The blaze broke out shortly before 1.00 p.m. in the building and quickly went to three alarms.

State Fire Marshal Steve Coan said it appears the blaze started on the upper floors and spread through the roof.

All of the residents were safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.

"This is a tough blaze to fight," said Coan. "Fire is extending through the roof and the cockloft and all the firefighters have been ordered out of the building. There is alot of hidden fire there in the walls and the ceilings."

More than 50 firefighters were called to the scene from surrounding towns.

Fire investigators are on the scene trying to determine a cause.

Two off duty police officers drove by the burning building and raced to help out.

Lt. Mike Sungy and Officer Donald Call saw smoke and pulled over banging on doors on the third floor and helping clear residents out of the building. A cat was rescued.

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