Fire Fund To Help Those Displaced By Cambridge Blaze
CAMBRIDGE (CBS) -- As a 10-alarm fire tore through homes in Cambridge, donations poured in to help those affected.
Mayor Denise Simmons announced a fire relief fund for the victims displaced by a fire that started on Berkshire Street Saturday, and quickly spread across the neighborhood. In two hours, the fund accumulated more than $30,000 for the displaced.
The fire broke out around 3 p.m. and burned into the night. Firefighters were still working to dampen the flames that had spread to 11 buildings at 10 p.m. Firefighters say at least 60 people were displaced by the fire, and the Red Cross was helping at least 120 in a nearby shelter.
Simmons said the funds raised will help residents who lack insurance, clothes or other necessities after the fire.
"This is just to help families who may not have enough in terms of insurance or a place to go or clothing," Simmons said. "And 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."
At 11:30 p.m., 706 donors had contributed $43,503. The goal is to raise $200,000.
To donate to the fund, visit cambridgema.gov/firefund or make a check out to Mayor's Fire Relief Fund, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139