A section of Route 9 in Brookline was closed Thursday as firefighters responded to a significant fire involving a dive shop building, prompting a large emergency response and traffic disruptions in the surrounding area.
According to initial reports from local authorities, the fire broke out earlier in the day and quickly drew attention due to visible smoke and concerns that the flames could spread to nearby structures. Fire crews arrived on the scene shortly after receiving emergency calls and immediately began efforts to contain the blaze.
Officials confirmed that the fire originated within a building housing a dive shop along the busy Route 9 corridor, an area known for commercial activity and steady traffic flow. As smoke intensified, authorities made the decision to shut down a stretch of Route 9 to allow emergency vehicles to access the scene and to ensure public safety.
Firefighters worked rapidly to bring the situation under control, deploying multiple units to tackle the flames from different angles. Crews focused on preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, which include other small businesses and commercial properties located nearby. The presence of potentially flammable materials inside the dive shop, such as diving equipment and pressurized tanks, added urgency to the response.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. Investigators are expected to examine whether it was accidental or the result of an electrical fault, equipment failure, or another factor. At this stage, no official information has been released regarding injuries, though emergency responders remained on scene to ensure that all individuals in the building were safely accounted for.
Traffic in the area was heavily affected, with vehicles diverted away from the closed section of Route 9. Commuters experienced delays as police directed traffic through alternate routes. Authorities urged drivers to avoid the area and follow detour instructions while firefighting operations continued.
Nearby residents and business owners reported seeing thick smoke rising from the building, with some describing a strong smell of burning materials in the surrounding air. Emergency services also established a perimeter around the site to keep pedestrians and onlookers at a safe distance.
Fire officials said their priority was to fully extinguish the blaze and prevent any structural collapse or further spread to neighboring properties. Once the fire is brought under control, investigators will begin a detailed examination of the scene to determine the origin and cause.
The incident has raised concern among local businesses along Route 9, as the closure disrupted normal commercial activity in a busy corridor. However, officials emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that the road will remain closed until the area is deemed secure.
As firefighting efforts continue, updates are expected from Brookline fire authorities regarding damage assessment, possible injuries, and the timeline for reopening Route 9 to traffic.