A fire broke out in a Chelsea neighborhood yesterday evening, causing significant damage to a multi-family home on Cottage Street and impacting nearby buildings. According to a Boston 25 News report, the fire, reported to have started at the rear of the home, was still burning when news crews arrived. Chelsea Fire Chief Jon Quatieri later declared the structure a total loss and confirmed that seven residents were displaced.
Firefighting efforts were complicated by the neighborhood’s narrow, sloping streets and closely spaced buildings. During the incident, firefighters were forced to evacuate the structure as conditions worsened. Chief Quatieri reported that the rear staircase collapsed and ordered an emergency withdrawal.
The fire spread to a neighboring building, though the extent of the damage was not detailed. NBC Boston reported that the local aid organization La Colaborativa stated at least 28 people were affected by the fire and is providing them with shelter and support.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but authorities confirmed that the building’s smoke detectors were functioning at the time. No injuries were reported, as all occupants evacuated safely. Despite the extensive damage, community organizations such as La Colaborativa have stepped in to assist those displaced by the fire.
