SOUTH BOSTON -- Firefighters found a second victim Tuesday inside a condominium building destroyed by a fire so intense crews were ordered away before they could find out if anyone was trapped.

Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said the body of an adult woman was found during a search of the building's remains.

Peter Clancy, 47, died after he had a heart attack while being removed from the building during the fire Monday night, officials said. Neighbors told the Boston Globe that the second victim is Arvette Clancy, 46, wife of Peter Clancy.

Crews were ordered out of the building about 45 minutes after they arrived at the 20-unit brick building shortly before 8 p.m.

"The roof was in danger of collapsing. Our concern was the safety of the firefighters," said Fire Chief Kevin MacCurtain.

Flames continued to leap from the roof nearly three hours after the fire was reported, as some of the 130 firefighters sprayed water from ladders.

Linda Piecuch said a friend was a resident of the building. "She lived there five years and she’s an emotional wreck. Firefighters came and knocked on the door to get her out," said Piecuch.

The fire at 309 Emerson Street destroyed the former Hotel Eaton that had been converted into condominiums. The blaze apparently started in a first-floor kitchen at the rear of the building. Within minutes, flames spread to all five floors.

Crews from across much of the city were called to the fire. Six nearby buildings in a residential area of South Boston were evacuated, but did not catch fire.

"I was in my kitchen. I could actually see the fire go across the roof," said witness Katie McAuliffe

The fire was still smoldering Tuesday morning, MacDonald said.

Residents of the apartment complex took shelter in a parked city bus, before being taken to a city recreation center. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said many found shelter with friends and relatives.