On Monday, October 13, 2025, at approximately 8 p.m., the Chelsea Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a fire inside the Kayem Foods facility located at 75 Arlington Street in Chelsea.
Engine 4 was the first unit to arrive on scene and reported heavy smoke in the building and were advised by staff that there was a fire above the commercial ovens on the mezzanine level. Crews reported flames extending toward the roof area, prompting the Incident Commander to strike a second alarm due to the size of the building and the difficulty getting to the fire area.
Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack while additional companies worked to ventilate the structure. The fire was brought under control within approximately one hour, preventing damage to production areas and limiting the fire’s spread beyond the mezzanine and sections of the roof.
All Kayem Foods employees were safely evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department. There were no injuries reported.
“Our firefighters did an outstanding job containing this fire in such a large facility. Their quick response and coordinated effort prevented what could have been a much larger incident,” said Fire Chief John Quatieri.
The Chelsea Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Mutual aid was provided by Everett, Revere, Boston, Winthrop and Massport fire departments.