CHELSEA, Mass. — A house fire in Chelsea damaged the second and third floor outside decks Tuesday morning.
Chelsea Fire said they were called to the fire on Ash Street around 4:30 a.m. with fire on the rear porches.
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control and kept it from spreading, but the rear porches are extensively damaged and unsafe to be on.
“Those will probably end up having to be torn off. It’s limited damage to the inside of the building,so we’re hoping we’ll be able to get the occupants back in sometime today,” said Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri.
Everyone who was inside the home is safe, including the homeowner Hermilda Barrentos.
She said fire alarms did not sound with the fire being outside.
“When I open the door, the firemen say ‘Oh get out, get out because there’s fire upstairs’,” said Barrentos.
While she lives on the first floor, she has renters on the third floor.
“Thanks to god because everything is fine with the people,” Barrentos said.
Her neighbor Paul Calsimitto, was outside to check on her while firefighters were on scene.
“She’s been my neighbor quite some time. The whole family’s over there, she’s got her children and grandchildren in the building, so again, the fire was one thing, but I was emotionally taken over when I seen the woman. And again, she’s a sweetheart. Very nice people,” he said.
A building inspector will check to make sure it’s safe for the people who live there to return.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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