Boston firefighters rescue 12 people, including 5 children, from burning duplex

Boston firefighters rescued a total of 12 people, including five children, after raging blaze broke out at a duplex in the city’s Mattapan neighborhood early Tuesday morning, officials said.

Crews responding to a report of a multi-alarm blaze at 55 Cedar Street around 1 a.m. found flames on the second and third floors of the multi-family home, according to the Boston Fire Department.

Firefighters used a drone equipped with thermal imaging to track and attack the fire as it spread across the roof of the building, Boston Fire Deputy Chief Michael Hocking said. They also struggled to setup ladders to battle the flames due to wires and trees near the home.

The blaze was knocked down shortly after 2 a.m. and crews spent hours overhauling the burned-out duplex.

Seven adults and the five children were safely evacuated and are now displaced.

There were no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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