Chelsea apartments evacuated after building 'bulge' reported

(Globe photo/George Rizer)
Residents this morning leaving an apartment building on Orange Street in Chelsea.

By Michaela Stanelun, Globe Correspondent

A three-story apartment building in Chelsea was evacuated today after an inspector raised concerns about a possible "bulge'' in the structure, Chelsea fire officials said.

The residents of 36, 38, and 40 Orange St. were evacuated over concerns that the brick building was in imminent danger of collapse, said Chelsea Fire Deputy Robert Zalewski. A structural engineer was working to determine what needs to be done to ensure the building is safe.

Up to 24 people live in the building. Twelve residents were home at the time. Zalewski said residents were concerned about where they would be placed, and were sent to a community center on Walnut Street.

"If the engineers believe the residents cannot return tonight, the owner of the building will place them in a hotel," Zalewski said.