The blaze was reported in a brick townhouse on Stearns Hill Road around 2:30 p.m.. Fire departments from Cambridge, Newton and Weston provided aid. Trucks from Belmont and Watertown were also sent to the scene, according to Wicked Local.

Waltham Fire Chief Paul Ciccone told Wicked Local the layout of the apartment complex – specifically its location on a hill and stepped pathways – posed significant challenges when trying to get the fire under control. It was knocked down shortly before 5 p.m.