REVERE — A month and a half after a massive fire left more than 100 people homeless in Revere, the State Fire Marshal has ruled the blaze accidental.
The five-alarm fire started shortly after 2 p.m. on Sept. 16 in a condominium building at 10 Franklin Ave.
Extensive damage was done to the four-story, 36-unit building. More than 100 residents were displaced but none were injured. Four firefighters were injured fighting the blaze.
Damages are estimated at $5 million. The 1970s-era building had no fire sprinklers and lacked adequate fire stopping within the walls and other compartments, both of which would be required if the building were built today, according to a statement from Department of Fire Services spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth.
According to Patriot Properties, the building housed several condominium units valued between $132,400 and $188,900.
The investigative team determined that the fire started in an inaccessible void space above the apartments and below the roof. The cause of the fire is officially classified as undetermined, according to the statement.
There is no evidence of arson and it is most likely accidental in nature, resulting from an unspecified event in an inaccessible area.
The Revere Fire Department and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated the fire.
A fundraiser to help the displaced residents is planned for Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m., at Comfort Inn & Suites, 85 American Legion Highway. The event will be hosted by Mayor Brian Arrigo with House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Sen. Joe Boncore, and state Rep. RoseLee Vincent. There will be refreshments, a cash bar, and raffles.
