Three people hospitalized after early morning fire in Leominster

LEOMINSTER, Mass. — Three people are in the hospital after a Sunday morning fire in Leominster.

Officials said the 2-alarm fire broke out around 2:00 a.m. on Mechanic St.

The third floor collapsed onto the second floor, and officials said cold weather and ice made it more difficult to fight down the flames.

"My neighbor called me and said, 'your house is on fire,'" said James White, one of the victims of the fire."I'm thinking she's joking around, you know, trying to make fun (until) she sends me pictures of my house on fire."

White was working the overnight shift at a local hospital when the fire broke out at 2 a.m. He then rushed home to find his apartment up in flames.

The fire was so intense at one point, 2 firefighters were caught in debris on the third floor and had to make a mayday call.

They were able to get themselves out and were not injured.

Officials said the smoke detectors were working, and they're not sure what floor the fire started on.

A total of 14 people were displaced.

Thankfully, all human residents were able to make it out of the building on time. With the exception of White's cat, Josie, the other pets in the building - two cats, a guinea pig and a bird - weren't so fortunate.

The incident remains under investigation.

Cox Media Group