Executive Director of the Red Cross Ron Speakes says, "This has been one of the worst years since 1983 for fires we've just had back to back fires people affected by it and very serious situations where they are out of their homes permanently."


Northampton Firefighters responded to yet another early Sunday morning after a fire alarm went off at 11 Bridge Street.

When crews arrived heavy smoke was pouring out of every window on the third floor but they were able to contain the blaze within 45 minutes.

Officials say the fire was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials. It sent 3 people to the hospital and left 21 homeless.

Northampton Fire Chief Brian Duggan says, "It produces a major situation not only for the residents but also for the city to try and assist them, we've been working with the mayor's office the Red Cross to try and find both short term and long term shelters."


The Red Cross says over the past few months fires have left close to 100 people homeless. They say they've already exceeded their budget for this year so they're seeking help from the public. What they need most is money, food and volunteers.

Speakes says, "It's been very difficult we've exceeded our budget already this year, well exceeded it and we've still got a couple more months in our fiscal year so in this situations it's going to be a rather hard situation because we're going to have to put up a number of people for quite a while."

The Red Cross is working with city officials to help find a permanent solution for displaced residents.