Overview
- The blaze began Tuesday night on the second floor of a multi-family home on Cottage Street and extended to an adjacent structure.
- The primary building was declared a total loss after a partial roof failure and the complete collapse of the rear staircase, with the neighboring property sustaining damage.
- Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri said everyone escaped safely, and officials noted that smoke detectors were functioning.
- Displacement figures remain in flux, with authorities initially citing seven residents and La Colaborativa reporting at least 28 people affected.
- La Colaborativa is providing shelter and aid to residents, and crews cited tight, steep streets and close-set buildings, along with gusty winds, as key challenges.