Overview
- Flames ripped through the Cottage Street multi-family Tuesday evening and extended to a neighboring structure.
- Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri said everyone escaped and no injuries were reported.
- The building was declared a total loss after a partial roof collapse and a fallen rear staircase, and the adjacent property sustained unspecified damage.
- Displacement estimates ranged from seven reported by authorities to at least 28 cited by La Colaborativa, which is providing shelter and aid.
- Firefighters said a narrow, steep street, tightly spaced homes and windy conditions complicated the response, and officials noted that smoke detectors were working.