Four alarm fire in Codman Square Market

Smoke billows from one one-story brick market. Boston Fire photo

(Updated Jan. 16 at 11:28 a.m.)

Boston firefighters are at the scene of a four-alarm fire that started in the basement of Codman Square Market.

Fire officials responded to 573 Washington St. at about 9:18 a.m., according the the department Twitter. Smoke was billowing up and out of the front door, coming from the basement of the one-story building when they arrived.

At 10:18 a.m., firefighters were using exterior operations to fight the flames, using “multiple blitz guns and ladder pipes.” A fourth alarm was ordered at just before 10:30 a.m.

The brick structure houses a few businesses, including the Codman Square Market, where the fire originated, and Mod Liquors. An adjoining restaurant, X O Restaurant, is being protected by the firewall between them, fire department spokesman Steve MacDonald said at about 10:50 a.m.

MacDonald said the fire started in the basement, "got in the walls and traveled to the ceiling and traveled along the celling. In the basement they pretty much have a handle on it, but it’s behind the walls."

As the flames rolled across the ceiling, firefighters pulled out of the building. A heavy, full-sized billboard and metal frame sit atop the small shops.

"The building is sagging," MacDonald said.

Heavy fire still burns in the building’s small attic space, and firefighters have begun to use the fire suppressant foam that comes equipped in all of the fleet’s new engines.

Boston Fire Commissioner Joe Finn and Inspectional Services Department Commissioner William Christopher were on the scene.

No injuries are reported.

This is a developing story.

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