Crime & Safety
Stove Fire Displaces Melrose Street Family
A Thursday afternoon fire brought the American Red Cross to Newton to lend some assistance to a Melrose Street family.

A family of four was displaced last week after a kitchen fire in their Melrose Street home.
The Newton Fire Department responded to alarms of a fire at 267 Melrose St. in Auburndale Thursday at about 3:15 p.m.
Newton Fire Twitter reports indicate the fire was knocked down quickly, though the emergency response did cause a traffic gridlock at Commonwealth Avenue and Melrose Street near the Auburndale Post Office.
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Newton Fire Lt. Eric Fricke said officials believe the fire started on the family's stove.
The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts stepped in to assist the family on Friday, according to Communications Manager Ashley Studley. The organization provided a one-night hotel stay as well funds for food and clothing; three smoke packs, which contain strong detergent capable of removing the scent of smoke from clothing and linen; four toiletry kits; and two Mickey Mouse dolls for the children, Studley explained.
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Studley said that American Red Cross case workers will remain in touch with the family as they begin their recovery.
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