By about 7:00 p.m. fire apparatus and departments from surrounding towns and as far away as Boston and Lowell would arrive to provide assistance.
A brisk southwest wind caused the flames to cross Central Street and hampered fire suppression.
Temperatures hit a record low mark for the season, causing the fire hoses to freeze and hampering the efforts of the firemen.
Police, National Guardsmen and Naval Reservists also provided assistance with securing the fire damaged areas.
Five banks, three theaters, three hotels, two newspaper plants, twelve office buildings, a Jewish temple and a half dozen lunch rooms were destroyed.