By Phil Orlandella
While there are several rumors circulating throughout the neighborhood relating to the Christmas morning five-alarm fire at 52 Hull Street in the North End, nothing official has been released as of this writing.
The blaze engulfed a four-story building located across from Copps Hill Cemetery on the Freedom Trail.
Several residents were left homeless and two adjacent buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Firefighters were credited for not allowing the fire to spread to adjoining dwellings.
Over 80 firefighters responded to the blaze that caused an estimated $4 million in damage.
The fire was so intense when firefighters arrived on the scene that they could not get into the building.
Due to the sheer volume of the blaze, not a single item survived and staircases were reduced to ashes.
           Two Boston firefighters were reportedly treated for arm and shoulder injuries during the incident.