Cambridge Fire's Cause Remains Undetermined; Arson Ruled Out

CAMBRIDGE, MA — With snow falling on the partially wrecked St. Patrick's Place behind him, Cambridge Fire Chief Fire Gerald Reardon told reporters the investigation into Saturday's devastating, 10-alarm fire is complete, but it could take weeks for a report to come out.

Due to the numerous insurance claims at play and other issues, Reardon said officials are doing their utmost to "dot every 'i' and cross every 't.'" Fire investigation is "a delicate science," he said.

According to a statement released by the city, "There is no evidence that this fire was intentionally set. The focus is on an accidental cause. (Investigators) are working on eliminating a number of potential heat sources, and are continuing to conduct interviews. The fire is being jointly investigated by members of the Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge Police Department, State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)."

Fire officials believe an under-construction building at 35 Berkshire Street was the origin, or adjacent to the origin, of the blaze, which started mid-afternoon Saturday and burned into the night, destroying numerous homes.

"I've seen fires like this, but not in Cambridge in my 33 years," Reardon said, adding with a grim chuckle, "I hope I never see it again."

The area around Berkshire and York streets is one of Cambridge's oldest, most densely packed neighborhoods. Reardon said many of the buildings were between 90 and 100 years old, built with wood-frame structures that succumbed to fire damage and the weight of the water pumped into them as firefighters fought the blaze.

According to the city, six buildings were significantly damaged, and others suffered from fire and water damage. The fire department reports 16 were damaged or destroyed, including approximately 53 housing units. At least three building are being torn down, and at least one more will be partially razed, the city said. A demolition contractor was on-site Monday, Reardon told reporters, and at least one building will be coming down later in the day.

The fire department tallied approximately 125 people displaced in the aftermath, including between 25 and 30 children. A relief fund set up by the mayor has already raised more than $300,000 of its $500,000 goal.

One of the impacted buildings was the low-incoming housing complex at St. Patrick's, a converted church. Reardon said structural engineers will be assessing the property, and at least one section on the left rear corner is "totally structurally unsafe."

Photo by Sarah Bentacourt, for Patch