Plumber's torch seen as cause of Framingham fire

By Globe Staff

A plumber's torch was the cause of a three-alarm fire last week that heavily damaged a six-story apartment building in Framingham, state and local fire officials said today.

The fire Friday afternoon at the Jefferson Village apartments caused about $3 million in damage, with as many as 72 apartments affected, Framingham Fire Chief Ollie Gadson said in a statement issued jointly with the state fire marshal's office.

Investigators determined that the fire started when a torch used by a plumber accidentally touched the lining of the chase, or space for pipes, in a second-floor bathroom. That "caused a smoldering fire that eventually erupted into open flames," the statement said.

Firefighters used aerial ladders so save occupants from the fire, which broke out about 12:20 p.m. and took about 3 1/2 hours to knock down.

Three residents were taken to hospitals but none of their injuries were considered serious. Eight firefighters were also treated and released, officials said in the statement.

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