The property was condemned after significant electrical problems were found.
Springfield firefighters on a platform outside 25-27 Armory Street after emerging from the attic where a fire broke out.SPRINGFIELD – A fire in the attic at 25-27 Armory St. Friday afternoon caused an estimated $70,000 damage in smoke and water damage, and resulted in the building being condemned when inspectors discovered significant wiring problems, officials said.
A total of 12 residents of two apartments, including six children, were displaced in the fire, said fire department spokesman Dennis Leger. The Pioneer Valley chapter of the American Red Cross were called to find temporary shelter.
The building, a 2 1/2 story wood frame less than a block away from Springfield Technical Community College, is owned by a landlord from Worcester, Leger said.
View full sizeMichael Jusino, a resident of the first floor at 25-27 Armory St., holds pet snake Swiggles that he rescued from the apartment.The fire was caused by electrical problems in the attic and had apparently been smoldering for a while, Leger said. Firefighters put down the fire quickly, but discovered problems with the wiring. The city Building Department ordered the building boarded up until repairs can be made.
Among the evacuated were first floor residents Jasmen Caraballa and Michael Jusino, and their pets, a 2-year-old ball python named Swiggles and two bearded dragons named Peaches and Skittles.
Caraballo said she was inside when she heard someone yelling fire. She didn't realize how serious it was until someone went out and saw smoke coming from the roof.
As she spoke, she cradled the two lizards on her shoulders trying to keep them warm. She wondered how long before they could go back inside or go somewhere warm.
Jusino said he went back inside to get their pets. The fireman were willing to rescue the lizards but drew the line at the snake, he said.
“They wouldn’t go near it,” he said.
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