Overview
- A fire broke out on the first floor of East Coast Divers at 213 Boylston Street in Brookline and spread damage into the second- and third-floor apartments above.
- Brookline declared a three‑alarm response and crews from Cambridge, Boston and Somerville provided mutual aid to fight the blaze and vent the roof.
- Compressed‑air cylinders inside the shop exploded during firefighting, intensifying flames and making interior entry more dangerous while oxygen tanks did not catch fire.
- An East Coast Divers employee and a firefighter suffered minor injuries and received medical care, and roughly five residents have been displaced as the building was heavily damaged.
- Brookline officials say the scene is under control and the cause of the fire is under investigation, with recovery and housing needs expected for the business and displaced residents.