04.24.08 The worst fire conditions ever reported in the state of Massachusetts, weeks of no rain and steady wind create a red flag alert for the entire state. At 12:33 hours with winds steady at 15 mph gusting to 20 mph. Box 25 struck for 483 Central Street. A three story multifamily occupancy with a report of people trapped.

With heavy fire rolling through the second floor, Saugus Jakes begin to make a ground ladder rescue of double amputee, while fire begins to burn through the closed hallway door.

With the assistance of off duty members who were in the neighborhood and side by side ground ladders the handicapped female is removed from the room.

Saugus firefighters exit second floor room which is now becoming untenable due to extreme heat and smoke, both of which are coming over, under and around the hallway door.

Firefighters on "C" side of structure attack rear porches which are fully involved and have extended into the structure.

Cataldo Ambulance Paramedics prepare gurney in anticipation of handicapped female. In addition to the female, three Saugus jakes were also transported by ambulance to local hospitals.

Early stage of the rescue. Note the heavy volume of fire on floor two. Saugus Jakes are on this floor with the trapped female. A closed hollow core door and an inch and three quarter hand line being operated on the hall way side is the only thing protecting them.