News

10 alarm fire burns for hours in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Firefighters have contained a 10 alarm fire in Cambridge Saturday that has been raging for several hours now.

WATCH LIVE

WATCH LIVE: Multi-alarm fire burning in Cambridge. SkyFox over the scene. fox25.com/2h5Na4e

Posted by Boston 25 News on Saturday, December 3, 2016

There have been several minor injuries during the fire, but no one has been taken to the hospital. The Cambridge fire chief credits that to the fire starting in the daytime.

"People were awake and available...we are just very fortunate right now," said Chief Gerald R. Reardon

The fire started at Berkshire Street and Vandine Street in Cambridge at a building under construction around 2:55 p.m. and has spread to Cardinal Medeiros Way, Plymouth Street, York Street and York Lane.  The fire has overtaken 11 buildings, which includes mostly apartments. One of them suffered a major collapse.

"It's the spacing of the buildings and getting the ladders and apparatuses in this area of the city," said Reardon.

Smoke could be seen across the city before the sun set, as high winds stoked the fire. A crowd gathered as the fire destroyed cars and homes in between Kendall and Inman Square. One hundred and forty firefighters were on the scene and about 17 fire communities assisted.

Officials said most of the apartments affected are low-income housing. The Red Cross is helping and a shelter has been set up at Cambridge High School and War Memorial Center. Anyone who needs help or a place to sleep is welcome to go there.

"I'm in shock...there's no place for these people to go now and I don't know how to help," said one neighbor, Paula Sousa, who has lived in the area for years.

Many people were told to evacuate by police and aren't sure when they'll be able to return, with only the clothes on their back.

"They said until tomorrow morning; I don't know exactly what that meant because I don't have any other arrangements," said Torgun Austin.

Many people told FOX25 that they did not have renter's insurance and are questioning what, if any, belongings they have left.

Cambridge Police and Fire Marshal's office are on scene investigating the cause.