Reading, MA condo fire relief fund

Shortly after 1 pm on Thursday, June 1st, the Reading Fire Department received a 911 call about a fire at 52 Sanborn Street. Built in 1906, the building served as the Reading High School before being converted into 41 condo units in the 1980s. The first firefighters to arrive at the scene were immediately overpowered by the heavy smoke and flames shooting out of the 4th floor skylights. Reading firefighters called in backup from surrounding communities, and the fire soon grew into a 7-alarm inferno, with units from as far away as Boston and Cambridge responding to assist. 60 residents were evacuated from the building, and thankfully there were no serious injuries. It took over 100 firefighters from surrounding communities well into the night to contain and put out the blaze. As of Friday, June 2nd, 60 residents are displaced, and several pets are unaccounted for. Your generosity and support during this difficult time would make a world of difference for those who lost everything in the fire. Let’s send a message of support to the victims that we have their backs, and come together as a community to help ease their burden. A contribution in any amount is greatly appreciated, and all proceeds of this fund will be sent directly to the residents who lost their homes. A huge thank you to all the first responders who helped to safely evacuate residents, rescue pets, and contain the fire. And a huge thank you to YOU for your generosity. Here is the Boston Globe article about the fire: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/06/01/fire-hits-condos-reading/uW55c9O3InuFlrGfWJyX0I/story.html


Photos by Jacob Berman