Gloucester Supermarket

Firefighters battle a fire Friday at Market Basket in Gloucester. (Photo courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)

GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith, Police Chief Edward Conley and Mayor Greg Verga wish to update the Gloucester community about an incident that took place Friday night at a city grocery store.

At approximately 8:23 p.m. Friday, March 14, first responders received a call about a fire at Market Basket, 101 Gloucester Crossing Road. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered two separate fires: one in the stockroom, another inside the cardboard compactor. The fires were knocked down by 9 p.m.

The store is now open after passing multiple Health Department and Building Department inspections. It was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected overnight, and any impacted food and packaging has been discarded.

“I am grateful to our capable Fire Department and mutual aid partners for their efficient work last night to bring down this fire. Ensuring our residents have access to safe and quality food remains a top priority, especially given the recent news in our community. I am relieved that the store has quickly met the Health Department’s requirements and is back open,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I have full confidence in our public safety officials, and I’m grateful that no one was hurt during the incident.”

An investigation into the fire continues, with assistance provided by Gloucester Police and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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The fire at the cardboard compactor at Market Basket was one of two fires discovered Friday at the store. (Photo courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)

The fire at the cardboard compactor at Market Basket was one of two fires discovered Friday at the store. (Photo courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)