Local News

‘Human activity’ started massive Chelsea warehouse fire, officials say

The Department of Fire Services said the warehouse at 1 Forbes street was known to be a place where 'juveniles, people who are homeless, and others' would congregate.

The Department of Fire Services said an investigation found that humans most likely started the fire. Photo courtesy of the Department of Fire Services.

By Eva Levin

December 4, 2024

1 minute to read

Human were likely the cause of the massive Chelsea warehouse fire on Nov. 18, officials said.

Now, Department of Fire Services authorities are seeking the public’s help identifying the person, or people, who may be responsible for the fire at 1 Forbes Street. While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said evidence collected so far suggests that “one or more people were present” when the fire broke out.

Officials said the warehouse was known to be a place where “ juveniles, people who are homeless, and others would sometimes congregate.”

DFS encouraged anyone with information on the cause of the fire to contact the Arson Watch Reward Program hotline at 1-800-682-9229. The Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that prevents arson, the DFS statement said.

“You can remain anonymous if you prefer,” said State Fire Marshal Davine.

Warehouse fire shuts down Commuter Rail, nearby schools

Witnesses reported just after 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 18, the DFS statement said. The blaze consumed a vacant warehouse, DFS said. According to DFS, first responders from 25 nearby municipalities responded to help put out the fire. DFS confirmed no one was injured during the fire.

Response to the fire caused delays on the Newbury/Rockport Commuter rail line, the MBTA said in an alert to passengers. In addition, the nearby Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex canceled school the following day while firefighters continued to contain the fire.

❗ UPDATE: Newburyport/Rockport Line passengers can expect delays due to fire department activity. Passengers will be accommodated by a shuttle bus in both directions between Chelsea and Lynn where they will board a train for continued service.
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) November 18, 2024

“I want to thank our Chelsea firefighters and mutual aid partners for their remarkable work protecting the community from this massive fire,” said Chief Quatieri. “I also want to recognize the proactive work that helped us achieve this result with limited access to water. Weekly inspections at the site and aggressive pre-planning for a fire of this nature were instrumental in containing it.”