UPDATE: Firefighters Still Working on Four-Alarm Washington Square Blaze

Salem firefighters are battling a four-alarm fire near Salem Common.

The call came in at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday for a fire at 98 Washington Square East, which is a 21-unit apartment building.

Firefighters were working to rescue someone from the second floor, according to Fire Department radio transmissions.

Firefighters were told to evacuate the building about 4:30 p.m. because of the difficult conditions. The wind has been especially problematic. 

Traffic was also blocked in the area due to heavy smoke.

Residents gathered on the Common and on local streets to watch firefighters battle the blaze.

At about 4:45 p.m., a portion of the roof collapsed.

All of the residents got out OK. There no reported injuries. Firefighters also rescued two cats.

Area communities including Danvers, Peabody, Beverly, Nahant, Lynn and Lynnfield provided mutual aid.

Check Salem Patch for the latest news on this fire. Check Salem Patch's Facebook page for the latest photos and video.