Large fire engulfs beachfront home in Nahant

NAHANT, Mass. (WHDH) -- A large fire engulfed an oceanfront home in Nahant on Tuesday.

Flames shot through the roof and smoke billowed out the top of the 2.5-story wood frame home on Castle Road.

Officials believe the fire started somewhere on the first floor and then spread to the second floor and into the attic.

“The whole roof was just engulfed and flames were coming out everywhere,” said Jennifer McCarthy, a neighbor.

Firefighters from Nahant, Lynn and Swampscott were on the scene to battle the blaze.

“It was a fast-moving fire, but we got it knocked down,” said Chief Ed Hynes, Nahant Fire Department.

The fire chief told 7News the house had a lot of truss construction because it was an old cottage that was renovated. Because of that construction, the building was not safe. Officials were afraid the floors would collapse.

“We’re taking all precautions necessary to keep people safe. So we’re picking at it slowly,” Chief Hynes said.

Firefighters had to fight the fire in a defensive way from outside the home. Officials did get the fire under control, but they were still battling hotspots on Tuesday evening.

The homeowners were not home at the time, but workers were inside the home when they believe the fire started. The cause is still under investigation. No other homes were damaged.

No one was injured.