Cambridge Fire: City to Host Recovery Resource Centers

CAMBRIDGE, MA — At least three buildings are being torn down and another will be partially razed in Cambridge, after a fast-moving, massive, 10-alarm fire tore through the neighborhood around York and Berkshire streets Saturday.

Six buildings were significantly damaged, and others suffered from fire and water damage as numerous companies from towns across the metro area battled the blaze late into the night. Sixteen buildings in total were destroyed or heavily damaged, fire officials said Monday.

Fire officials tallied 48 displaced families, a total of 125 people, who have registered with the Red Cross of Massachusetts.

"There may be more families and individuals that have not yet registered and the City is strongly encouraging all displaced individuals to register with the Red Cross by calling 800-564-1234 or by coming to the City’s Fire Recovery Resource Center at City Hall," the city said in a press release. "The first step in receiving assistance from the City is to contact and register with the Red Cross of Massachusetts."

Here's the schedule for recovery centers:

On Monday, December 5, from 8:30 am - 8 pm and Tuesday, December 6, 8:30 am - 5pm, the City is hosting a Fire Recovery Resource Center on the 2nd floor of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave.

Impacted residents can meet with representatives from the City of Cambridge, American Red Cross, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of insurance, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Transitional Assistance, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health, National Organizational Voluntary Active Disaster, and Riverside Community Care.

A Cambridge Fire relief fund topped $250,000 within 24 hours. You can learn more and make your own donation here.

Finally, a number of street closures will remain in place in Cambridge. The following streets have no access for pedestrians or vehicles:

• Berkshire Street – from York Street to Plymouth – indefinite
• Plymouth Street – Cardinal Medeiros Ave to Berkshire Street – indefinite
• Vandine Street – Cardinal Medeiros to Berkshire Street
• York Street – Willow Street to Berkshire Street

Residents impacted by the fire can call the City’s dedicated phone line, 617-349-9484, with questions regarding the fire or recovery assistance.

Image by Sarah Betancourt, for Patch