LOWELL, MASS. (WHDH) – Four firefighters were taken to the hospital as their crews battled a Level 6 house fire in Lowell on Thursday, officials said.

According to the Lowell Fire Department, flames erupted from the six-unit apartment building at 73 Aiken Avenue shortly before noon. About 80 firefighters from across the region were on site and extinguished the fire.

Lowell Fire Chief Phil Charron immediately ordered all firefighters to evacuate the building.

“There was a very intense fire on the third floor, which reached the attic, and the fire department had to evacuate that floor when the fire spread to the attic level,” Charron said.

Officials said 11 firefighters were evaluated by EMS, four of whom were taken to the hospital. Emergency crews also took one other person to the hospital, the department said.

“During rehab, they are cooled down, given plenty of fluids, their vital signs are checked and they are made sure they are fit again,” says John Hebert of PrideStar EMS.

Most of the smoke and flames came from the third floor.

The fire department was on site with at least two turntable ladders. Authorities tried to keep onlookers away from the house while dozens of firefighters doused the building with water.

Of the 22 residents of the building, one person was at home when the fire broke out. Others returned to their apartments and found the destruction.

The stunned residents were grateful that everyone was rescued.

“It’s a home. It’s not just a house. It’s a home. It’s the children’s home. It’s their comfortable place, their safe place. So it’s going to be quite a big adjustment,” said Rosie Cruz, who lived in the house.

The State Fire Marshal and Lowell fire investigators arrived in the afternoon.

The Red Cross will accommodate the displaced people in local hotels for the next few nights, the organization said.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on air and online for the latest details.

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