Fire Strikes Liberty Avenue Home in Medford

UPDATE, 4 p.m.: The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts said in a statement they assisted six adults and three children displaced by the fire on Liberty Avenue.

"Volunteers provided the families with emergency temporary shelter – a hotel stay – for two nights, emergency funds for food and clothing, and comfort kits - which include items like toiletries," according to the statement.

In addition, the Red Cross gave Mickey Mouse stuffed animals to the three children displaced by the fire.

ORIGINAL STORY: A first-alarm fire caused heavy damage to a two-and-a-half story dwelling on Liberty Avenue in Medford Monday afternoon.

Medford Deputy Fire Chief Scott Graham said the fire originated from a second floor bedroom of the building that houses both 15 and 17 Liberty Ave., a short residential street off Main Street.

Graham said the fire was quickly knocked down by responding companies. The fire appeared to cause significant damage to the second floor of the building.

Initial reports indicated a person was trapped inside the building, but Graham said the individual was out on the front porch by the time companies arrived.

Graham was not aware of any injuries stemming from the fire and said no one he was aware of required hospital transport.

Medford Police, Fire and Armstrong Ambulance responded to the scene. A Somerville engine was providing station coverage for Medford Monday afternoon.

According to city assessing records, the building is owned by Cosmo and Linda Nardella of Somerville. The building was appraised at $161,900.