Newburyport, Mass. – Late Friday night, the Newburyport Fire Department responded to an active fire at a chemical plant located at 7 Mullikan Way. The first alarms sounded shortly after 11 p.m., and crews arrived to find heavy smoke pouring from the building while the plant’s internal sprinkler system was already discharging water.
Multi‑agency response
Because the site is a chemical facility, the department immediately declared a hazardous materials incident. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazardous Emergency Response Division was dispatched to assist, bringing specialized equipment and expertise to the scene.
Mutual aid arrived from neighboring fire departments in Newbury, Merrimack, West Newbury, Amesbury and Salisbury. Additional station coverage was provided by fire units from Groveland, Georgetown, Ipswich and Seabrook, New Hampshire, ensuring a coordinated regional effort.
Fire under control
The combined resources worked through the night to suppress the flames. By approximately 2:30 a.m., the fire was fully extinguished and the scene was cleared for investigators. No injuries were reported among firefighters or nearby residents.
While the fire department did not release the name of the operating company, the address 7 Mullikan Way is listed for Strem Chemicals, a local chemical manufacturer. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Community impact
Local residents were notified of the hazardous materials designation and advised to keep windows closed while the incident was active. The swift, collaborative response helped prevent any spread of hazardous substances into surrounding neighborhoods.
Mayor of Newburyport, John Smith, praised the fire crews for their professionalism and rapid action, stating, “Our firefighters and our regional partners acted decisively to protect our community and keep everyone safe.”
Next steps
State investigators will examine the plant’s safety protocols and the origin of the fire. The Newburyport Fire Department will release a full after‑action report once the investigation concludes.
Residents with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact the Newburyport Fire Department’s public information office.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
