State House in Boston evacuated for basement fire, state police say

BOSTON — The State House was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon after an electrical fire was discovered in the basement, state police said.

The fire quickly grew to two alarms by 3 p.m. with smoke conditions in parts of the building, officials said. Boston firefighters are on scene.

“At this time, it appears the fire was confined to the basement. We are not aware of any injuries,” state police said.

The basement fire was discovered at approximately 2:12 p.m., state police said.

The fire is in a transformer room in the building’s sub-basement, state police said. Emergency responders are awaiting electrical utility to cut power before they make entry to extinguish the fire.

There are smoke conditions in other parts of the building.

State Police troopers assigned to the Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and Crime Scene Services personnel are responding to assist Boston Fire investigators, state police said.

“This is standard operation for all significant fires and should NOT be interpreted that any conclusion has been made as to whether the fire is suspicious,” state police said.

Both Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll were in the building at the time and were both safely evacuated, the governor’s office has confirmed.

Bowdoin, Beacon and Hancock and Dern streets are closed to the public.

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

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