On December 3rd at around 3:00, a ten-alarm blaze erupted the peace and silence of Berkshire Street. Damaging at least 11 buildings, 166 lives, and rapidly spreading to neighboring houses, the affected families were successfully removed from the hazardous scene.
Despite no one getting severely hurt, the fire destroyed many homes and burned down the life that existed within them. The City Of Cambridge identified about 80 families and action was taken right away.
A Red Cross Shelter was set up in the War Memorial Recreational Center of Cambridge Rindge and Latin high school with blankets, food, drinks, medics, clothes, and temporary shelter.
Mayor Denise Simmons announced a fire relief fund for the Berkshire Street victims. Created by Michele Kincaid, City of Cambridge Acting Treasurer, the fund compiled more than $30,000 within two hours.
Simmons says “This is just to help families who may not have enough in terms of insurance or a place to go or clothing... We have to remember it’s the holidays. We have so many families touched by this tragedy. So we want to be sure we’re able to lift up, protect and comfort those that have been touched by this devastation.”
The City of Cambridge is also working towards assisting families with housing. Mayor Simmons' offices has called and continues to seek any Cambridge property owner with available, permanent and affordable rentals to contact officials at 617-349-4321.
Fire investigations progress, focusing on heat sources that could be relating to the accidental cause.
Since then, Cambridge has established a phone line at 617-349-9484 to answer questions for any affected residents.
Efforts have been made to help those that need it the most this season and that's why I'm proud to say that I'm from Cambridge.
