4-alarm fire tears through Rockport building, including eatery

A fire at a historic mixed-use building in Rockport left families and businesses displaced, the Rockport Police Department said in a release. 

Shortly before 10 a.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to a report of a strong gas odor at 19 Broadway Ave. Upon arrival, they saw thick black smoke flowing from the building and confirmed an active fire, officials said. 

The fire crews on scene struck four alarms for additional support and mutual aid. The aid was provided by the Gloucester, Manchester, Essex, Wenham, Hamilton, Middleton, Ipswich, Peabody, Danvers, and Lynn fire departments, as well as Rehab 5.

“Crews performed an aggressive attack on the fire and knocked it down at approximately 1 p.m.,” officials said. 

There were no reported injuries, but commercial businesses were displaced, including Rockport House of Pizza & Roast Beef, and at least two families, officials said. The historic building has been in Rockport for decades.

“As we’ve had crews on site overnight, let’s think of the business owners and residents of the piece of Rockport’s History known to so many as [Ketchopulos] Market,” the fire department said on social media. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation, officials said.

A GoFundMe page was created Sunday to support the Rockport House of Pizza staff, and it had raised over $1,300 in donations as of Monday morning.

“Just today our [business], job and where we make a living burned down, we are at a complete loss and are not sure how we will continue,” the description reads.

Rockport House of Pizza took to social media to share updates on the incident.

“We are at a loss for words…. At least we all got out safe…” it wrote.

“My heart is heavy for you all. I’m happy that [no one] was hurt. Hopefully you will be able to rebuild without complications and delays,” a customer commented.

“[Heartbroken],” another said. “We come every year and were in yesterday for our 2 slices. I’m so sorry.”