CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A massive fire that spread quickly through buildings along Berkshire Street in Cambridge Saturday was likely accidental, investigators announced Monday.
Investigators had been working to determine the area where the fire started, before it spread to buildings next door and even across the street. Investigators told reporters over the weekend it could take some time, given the rapid spread and destruction of the primary buildings.
Monday afternoon, however, investigators said the focus is on "an accidental cause" and there was "no evidence that this fire was intentionally set."
Neighbors said the building where the fire started was being renovated.
“The house has been under construction for a couple of months and it seems like people were that afternoon,” Lauren Schiffer said.
The fire damaged at least 16 buildings, which included more than 50 housing units.
The fire department said more than 100 people were displaced, and school officials say at least 40 of them were students.
At Cambridge City Hall, a recovery resource center has been set up to help those impacted.
"I've never felt more supported by a city without even having to be part of anything. Just being from the city itself, the generosity is even more proof this is the greatest city there is,” Tim Kelleher, whose house was destroyed, said.
No one was seriously injured. An assistant fire chief has said it's "nothing short of a miracle" no one was killed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
>>Fire officials investigating cause of massive Cambridge fire