Five Hospitalized After Fire at the Car Barn

Over 30 New Bedford fire fighters responded to a kitchen fire at the Car Barn in the city's north end Wednesday. 

The fire originated in a third floor apartment unit, according to New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes.

"The fire was primarily contained to the kitchen itself and we spent the last hour and a half trying to clear the smoke condition from the third floor so the occupants can reoccupy the building," Gomes said on the scene.

Four occupants were transported to St. Luke's Hospital for smoke inhalation, while a fifth occupant was treated for lacerations.

Gomes told WBSM News that the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes, but heavy smoke filled the entire third floor and made evacuation of occupants difficult.

The resident of the unit where the fire originated will be displaced for the time being, according to the chief.

The Car Barn is made up of 114 assisted living apartment units, located on the corner of Purchase and Weld Streets.