Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with comments from Executive Director of Public Safety Yolanda Smith.
Executive Director of Public Safety Yolanda Smith provides updates on incident
In an email sent to the Tufts community Friday afternoon, Executive Director of Public Safety Yolanda Smith provided further information about the fire.
“At approximately 11:05 a.m. this morning, a fire was reported at 74 Raymond Avenue in Somerville, a privately owned property where 10 Tufts undergraduate students lived. Somerville Fire and Police, as well as Tufts University police, EMS, and paramedics responded quickly,” Smith wrote. “One student was transported to the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation and is receiving excellent care. Thankfully, all other residents are safe, and no further injuries have been reported.”
The students affected by the fire have been provided with resources including temporary housing, clothing and counseling, according to Smith. Smith clarified that the area around 74 Raymond Ave. remains an active scene and emergency officials are still on site. The incident is currently under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Fire Investigation Unit.
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted, and we extend our support to the entire campus community,” Smith wrote.
Firefighters respond to fire at three-family house on Raymond Avenue
Firefighters are currently battling a fire at a three-family home on 74 Raymond Ave., located streets away from Tufts campus. The fire was reported at approximately 11 a.m. Friday morning and appears to be burning from the back of the house. Heavy smoke can be seen coming from the roof of the house and drifting over the surrounding area.
The streets around the house have been closed as firefighters attempt to extinguish the blaze, and Tufts community members have received multiple advisories to avoid the vicinity of Raymond Avenue until further notice.
According to an American Red Cross official, one Tufts student was evacuated from the building and taken to a hospital.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Matthew Sage contributed reporting.
