Worcester Three-Alarm Fire Threatens Entire City Block with Partial Collapse

A significant fire broke out at a commercial strip mall on Main Street in Worcester, beginning around 8 p.m. and escalating to a three-alarm response. The blaze started in the basement of a vacant business undergoing renovations, causing a partial floor collapse and spreading into the attic, which forced firefighters to evacuate the building due to structural instability. The fire affected multiple businesses including a pizza shop and hair salon, and crews remained on-site for over 12 hours to extinguish hot spots and assess damage. No injuries have been reported in connection with the fire. Additionally, a separate two-alarm fire occurred at a home in Mansfield on Tuesday evening, with investigations ongoing and no immediate information on injuries or cause. Both incidents highlight ongoing challenges faced by fire departments in managing large structural fires and ensuring public safety.