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Fire officials explained that the flames spread quickly due to high winds, dry conditions, and close proximity between the homes.
The Lowell community is coming together to help victims of a devastating fire Tuesday. Ken McGagh/The Boston Globe
Local nonprofits are supporting the Lowell community after a devastating fire destroyed six homes and displaced 40 residents Tuesday.
Several organizations are working to provide the victims with basic needs, emergency housing, and disaster relief. City officials compiled a list of these nonprofits Wednesday.
The Salvation Army, located on Appleton Street, provided dinner for first responders who battled the blaze Tuesday. They also offered food and toiletries for residents Wednesday afternoon and will provide clothing vouchers Friday morning for the Salvation Army store in Saugus, according to city officials.
Project Kompass, also located on Appleton Street, will again provide food, clothing, toiletries, and essential items Friday after doing so Wednesday. They also set up a live donation page for people who want to help but can’t provide specific items. As of Thursday night, it has raised more than $12,000.
Community Teamwork, Inc. and Lowell Public Schools, both located on Merrimack Street, are providing emergency housing support, school resources, and other related services, city officials said. The American Red Cross also offers disaster relief support at 1-800-564-1234 and at RedCross.org.
The flames ravaged the city’s Centralville neighborhood Tuesday as high winds and dry conditions spread burning embers across multiple homes. The fire started shortly before 3 p.m. at a four-family home at 867 Bridge St., according to The Boston Globe.
Emergency crews had to split up and fight multiple fires simultaneously as the flames spread to Wachusett Street and May Street. Firefighters from surrounding communities, such as Salem, N.H. and Burlington, helped out, the Globe reported.
Crews worked well into the evening to put out the flames, and two firefighters were hospitalized due to heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation, according to the Globe. While smoke filled the air and the fires raged on, the city’s senior center opened its doors to residents in need of a place to stay, officials said on Facebook.
Lowell Mayor Erik Gitschier later thanked the firefighters, first responders, and city officials who played a part in helping with the recovery efforts.
“Today was a very tough day for our City,” Gitschier said on Facebook. “The fires in Centralville were devastating, but we have so much to be thankful for.”
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