A Monday night fire in a Broadway three-decker caused heavy damage to the basement and first floor of the wooden structure.
Firefighters arriving on the scene late Monday night found heavy smoke and fire pouring out of the basement.
Firefighters from the Mill Hill Station, about a block away, evacuated occupants from all three floors and in doing so, firefighters noted evidence of the two upper floors being used as a rooming house.
The fire spread quickly from the basement up a pipe chase and into the top floor apartment.
Everyone got out of the house without injuries, including several pets.
Fourteen adults and 4 children were displaced by the fire, according to Chelsea Fire officials.
An investigation by the fire department’s Investigation Unit revealed the fire started in a dryer vent in the basement in what appeared to be a makeshift apartment, according to fire officials.
An investigation of the upper floors revealed evidence of rooming house condition, the investigators said.
Damage was estimated at about $50,000.
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