Nantasket Avenue fire displaces 6 families

/

Chief John Dunn reports that the Hull Police Department responded to an apartment fire on Nantasket Avenue Friday afternoon. The Kenberma fire displaced six families. Its cause is being investigated.
At approximately 4 p.m., Hull Police were notified about a fire alarm at 527 Nantasket Ave., a multi-family apartment building.
When officers arrived, a male tenant was uncooperative and would not leave the unit, despite the blaze. Multiple officers had to go inside the building in order to get the man out safely. 
He was placed in protective custody and taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Three police officers suffered minor smoke inhalation and were transported to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.
The rest of the residents were able to make it out of the building safely and no other injuries were reported.
Firefighters from the Hull Fire Department quickly extinguished the flames. The unit where the fire occurred sustained significant damage and other units had smoke and water damage. Utilities in the building have been temporarily shut off.
Six families living in the building were all displaced and most were being assisted by the American Red Cross.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal's office have been called to the scene. The initial investigation indicates that the fire originated in the kitchen. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Red Cross will open Weymouth shelter in advance of winter storm Toby

/

The American Red Cross will open a shelter in Weymouth and stage personnel for two more shelters on Wednesday in advance of winter storm Toby, which is expected to impact much of the Commonwealth.

The nor’easter is forecast to bring snow and winds and the potential for coastal flooding to the Cape, Islands, and southeastern Massachusetts tomorrow. Much of the state is under a winter storm warning, with snowfall totals expected to be as deep as 12 inches in some parts of the state.

The shelter will be opened at the Weymouth Senior Center, 182 Green St., at 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

Volunteers also will stage personnel and shelter supplies in Fall River and Mashpee so that they will be ready for storm response, if needed.

Visit redcross.org/get-help for the latest on shelters and other storm response information. 

Red Cross, Salvation Army open service centers to help storm victims

/

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts and the Salvation Army will open service centers in Quincy and Peabody tomorrow and Saturday to offer disaster services to residents affected by coastal flooding associated with winter storm Riley.
The March 2 storm brought flood waters into coastal communities in Massachusetts. Centers were open in Quincy and Marshfield last week where nearly 400 people received assistance.
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army continue to work with impacted communities in Massachusetts to support individuals and families affected by coastal flooding and other related damage. Additional centers will be open where residents impacted by the storms can request service from the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Locations and times are:
Quincy Service Center: Salvation Army, 6 Baxter St. 
• Thursday, March 15, from 4 -8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 17, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Peabody Service Center, American Red Cross Peabody Office, 85 Lowell St.
Thursday, March 15, from 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 17, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Red Cross financial assistance may be available to you if:
• Your home sustained mud, sewer or water damage over eighteen (18) inches above the living floor; if electrical outlets were under water in single family homes or apartments; home has had foundation damage; or, if the property is condemned due to disaster-related circumstances. 
• You lived in a manufactured home and has significant flooring system damage or foundation damage such as displacement from the foundation or other structural component damage.
Those applying for Red Cross assistance are required to bring identification showing address and proof of residence in the affected home. All assistance is provided free of charge.
If you cannot attend in person, please call Massachusetts 211 to register by phone or to get more information about resources in your community.