A three-alarm fire has destroyed an Ipswich, Massachusetts, floor covering business and displaced three residents from an apartment in the same building.
The fire at Ipswich Floor Covering was reported at about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.Authorities say a neighbor saw the flames and alerted firefighters, whose headquarters are located right across the street from the blaze.
Firefighters were hampered at first because hydrants in the area were buried in snowbanks. The hydrants were dug out with the help of Ipswich's department of public works.
The 2 ½-story building is considered a total loss.
The cause remains under investigation
Central Street, which is Route 1A, was closed, complicating the morning commute in the area.
Copyright The Associated Press
