4-Alarm Medford Fire Tears Through Auto Body Shop

MEDFORD, MA – A four-alarm fire at an auto repair shop on Mystic Avenue sent one firefighter to the hospital and heavy smoke billowing into the sky. Crews from Medford and the surrounding communities battled the fire at Automotive Services of Boston at the intersection of Mystic Avenue and Harvard Street.

The fire was first reported around 9:30 a.m. and was at four alarms early Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters were ordered out of the building shortly after 10:30 a.m.

Medford Fire Chief Frank Giliberti told the Boston Globe the fire was brought under control by 1 p.m. One firefighter was hospitalized, according to WBZ.

Traffic built up on Mystic Avenue and I-93 due to the fire response. Mystic Avenue was shut down between Bonner Avenue and Billings Avenue into Wednesday afternoon.

Part of the auto body shop's rubber roof collapsed, according to reports. Automotive Services of Boston mainly provides rim-cleaning services, which means the building contained a large amount of cleaning solvents, the Globe reported.

The shop first opened over 20 years ago.

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