CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Firefighters have contained a 10 alarm fire in Cambridge Saturday that has been raging for several hours now.
WATCH LIVEWATCH 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
Fire engulfed this house in a matter of minutes. #Cambridge #cambridgefire pic.twitter.com/85L8LFcqNh
— Rodrigo Garcia (@neuro_tic) December 4, 2016
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.
#Cambridge fire winds. pic.twitter.com/QQr3gpn4rS
— Jacob Young 🍜 (@jryio) December 3, 2016
"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.
In Cambridge, assisting at their 10 alarm fire we have 1 Chief, 6 engines, 2 ladders, 1 tower ladder & our air bottle unit
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) December 3, 2016
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.
Smoke from the fire in Cambridge as viewed from my office today. pic.twitter.com/Mquin4vqBo
— Kozma (@kozma22) December 3, 2016
#Cambridge #fire @fox25news pic.twitter.com/UyrHLPGxxK
— Lily Lu (@LilyLu_) December 3, 2016
LOTS OF SMOKE IN THE BOSTON SKYLINE @fox25news @cbsboston @7News @bostonnews #BOSTON pic.twitter.com/UMjHSuCQd9
— Lydia (@LydSmith) December 3, 2016
#Cambridge #fire @fox25news pic.twitter.com/UyrHLPGxxK
— Lily Lu (@LilyLu_) December 3, 2016
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