Apartment Fire Displaces 60 To 80 North Attleboro Residents

All residents evacuated safely but some pets are still missing.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

May 12, 2026 10:15 am EDT | Updated May 12, 2026 11:02 am EDT

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA — A massive fire at a North Attleboro apartment complex has displaced as many as 80 residents.

All residents of the 34-unit, three-story building at 30 Juniper Road evacuated safely but some pets remain missing, according to a media release from the city.

The fire started shortly after 2 p.m. in an air conditioning unit in one of the apartments, the release said.

"Responding crews immediately began an aggressive interior and exterior attack, calling in all on-duty North Attleborough firefighters and companies from surrounding towns," the release said.

The building's roof collapsed about 2:30 p.m., according to the release, and about 40 minutes later, "the fire had escalated to seven alarms, due in part to water supply challenges at the scene, requiring firefighters to deploy extensive hose lines from multiple hydrants through surrounding backyards. "

The fire was extinguished about two hours after it started, the release said.

"All residents evacuated the building safely, and no injuries were reported. Several pets have already been reunited with their owners; however, several pets remain unaccounted for at this time," the release said.

North Attleborough Electric Department cut power to the burned out building, temporarily displacing residents at the adjacent apartment building, as it was tied into its system, according to the release. Power has since been restored to the other building.

"The American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at the North Attleborough Middle School, 564 Landry Ave., where support services and emergency assistance are being provided," the release said. "The Salvation Army and Mansfield Emergency Management Agency are on-site, providing assistance as well."

The fire remains under investigation.

“This fire was one of the largest incidents I have seen in my 30-year career, and our responding crews faced significant challenges, including deploying extensive hose lines from multiple hydrants, which complicated our firefighting efforts," Nortth Attleboro Fire Chief Christopher Coleman said in the release.

"Despite these obstacles, crews worked aggressively and in close coordination to knock down the fire and prevent its spread to neighboring complexes,” Coleman said. “I am deeply grateful to all of our mutual aid partners for their critical assistance."