United States (Massachusetts) - City fire investigators and the state Fire Marshal's Office are investigating a two-alarm blaze in a Lowell Housing Authority property that left at least 14 people homeless last night. Firefighters were first called to the area of Albion and West Fourth streets in the Centralville section about 8:55

p.m., for a report of smoke in the area. Firefighters discovered the blaze at 50-52 Albion St., at 8:57 p.m.

Deputy Fire Chief Patrick McCabe said it appears the fire started in a mattress behind the 2 1/2-story building, then burned up an outer wall and into a second-floor ceiling before spreading to the third floor.

Among those living in the building were a 9-month-old baby and 5-year-old girl. All the residents escaped without injury.

The blaze was knocked down about 9:30 p.m.

There was an unconfirmed report that a firefighter was injured while overhauling the structure after the fire had been brought under control.

Cindy Alemesis, who lives in the building with her husband Spike, 5-year-old daughter and two sons, ages 14 and 17, was in tears at the scene.

Spike Alemesis said he was doing dishes when he heard sirens.

"I opened the back door, and there were flames going up to the roof," he said.

Alemesis immediately got his children out of the building.

Saren Cheath, 19, who lives on the first floor with her mother, Dany Chea, and her three brothers, ages 8, 11 and 15, said she smelled smoke but didn't think it was anything. She got in the shower and then heard someone banging

on the windows and doors.

Samantha Preap lives on the second floor with her 9-month-old baby, a 24-year-old brother and her mother. She said she ran through the building with another neighbor, warning residents to get out.

All were awaiting the arrival of the Merrimack Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross at the scene last night.

Two neighbors were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after they refused to leave the fire scene. Police took them away after the fire started because they repeatedly refused to clear the scene, police said. Khon Luu, 57, and Juan Silvagnoli, 31, were both charged with disorderly conduct. Silvagnoli was also charged with resisting arrest.

Written by The Sun