Massive fire rages on hours after breaking out in U.S. city of Boston

WASHINGTON, March 15 (Xinhua) -- A heavy fire broke out Friday in a factory BUILDING in the U.S. City of Boston and firefighters are still unable to control it five hours after it started.

Boston Fire Department responded to the fire that erupted from New England Casket Company and raised the situation to a 9th-alarm fire around 6 p.m. local time (2200 GMT).

Flames engulfed the plant BUILDING as dusk fell, illuminating the surrounding areas. It is unclear if the fire has resulted in any casualties or what the cause of the fire was.

The fire has led to the evacuation of local residents and disrupted traffic on a nearby subway track. Firefighters from the nearby City of Chelsea have also arrived at the scene to battle the fire.

Boston Fire Department said firefighters were using both foam and water to contain the fire and that it has pulled all firefighters from the BUILDING due to heavy smoke.

The site of the fire is in the northeastern part of Boston, an inlet across the Boston Logan International Airport.