New Bedford Fire at 95 Rivet St. Displaces Five

Crews early Sunday battled a stubborn three-alarm blaze at a New Bedford apartment building in the wind and bitter cold.

The cause of the fire, which broke out around 2 a.m. at 95 Rivet St., has not been determined, said Acting Deputy Fire Chief Scott Kruger. Five people were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross. All New Bedford engines responded and mutual aid was provided from all surrounding communities. Videos shot from the scene overnight showed heavy smoke and flames pouring from third-floor windows.

The three-story building in a dense residential neighborhood was left with serious damage. A deputy commissioner from the city's Department of Inspection Services was on site this morning. He said the building will be demolished as soon as possible -- possibly even today -- because it is structurally unsound and poses a threat to public safety.

The former Mi Antojo restaurant was on the first floor. The restaurant has been closed for some time, Kruger said. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated at the hospital and released.

It took about two hours to bring the fire under control, Kruger said. The fire remains under investigation.