A fire broke out on the balcony of a South Boston apartment at 2 West 6th Street on Thursday afternoon. Thanks to the swift response of local firefighters, the blaze was quickly brought under control with no injuries reported. Damage was limited to the balcony area, and residents were able to return home shortly after.

Firefighters Quickly Contain Balcony Fire at South Boston Apartment

South Boston, MA — July 25, 2025

A fire broke out Thursday afternoon on the balcony of an apartment building at 2 West 6th Street in South Boston, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. Thanks to the rapid action of Boston Fire Department crews, the blaze was quickly extinguished, preventing what could have been a much more serious incident.

The fire, which was first reported around 2:45 p.m., originated on the balcony of a unit on the upper floors of the multi-story residential building. According to fire officials on the scene, crews arrived within minutes and were able to contain the flames before they spread to the interior of the unit or adjacent apartments.

"We were fortunate that the fire was isolated and didn't get into the structure," said District Fire Chief Mark Donovan. "Our crews acted fast to prevent escalation, and no injuries were reported."

Witnesses in the neighborhood reported seeing light smoke and flames visible from the balcony before the fire trucks arrived. “I was walking my dog and noticed smoke coming from the top floor,” said nearby resident Tasha Rivera. “The fire department was here within minutes. They went right up with hoses and put it out fast.”

While no one was injured, the fire did cause damage to outdoor furniture and part of the exterior siding near the balcony. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though officials say it may have been related to improperly discarded smoking materials or a grill that had recently been used.

The Boston Fire Department emphasized the importance of fire safety when using balconies, especially during the summer months. “With warmer weather, people spend more time outside, often grilling or smoking on balconies,” said Chief Donovan. “We want to remind everyone that even small mistakes can lead to dangerous situations.”

Residents of the building were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, but were allowed to return to their units shortly after the fire was extinguished and the scene was deemed safe. No structural damage was reported, and building management confirmed that all units remain habitable.

The incident drew several fire engines and ladder trucks to the typically quiet residential block, briefly causing traffic delays in the area. Boston police assisted in cordoning off the street and directing traffic while firefighters worked to secure the scene.

In the aftermath, neighbors praised the professionalism of the fire department and expressed relief that the situation didn’t worsen. “It could’ve been a lot worse, especially with how close together these buildings are,” said another resident, James Lin. “We’re lucky they got here fast.”

Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and remind residents to follow all safety guidelines when using grills, heaters, or smoking materials near combustible surfaces.

For more fire safety tips and information, residents are encouraged to visit the Boston Fire Department’s official website or follow their updates on social media.

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