Family of 10 homeless after Spfld fire

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A family of 10 is homeless after their Springfield home was destroyed by fire.

At around 10:30PM Wednesday, a fire started at 21 Grove Street in Springfield's North End. Flames could be seen shooting out of the three-story building, with thick black smoke billowing from the windows.

Aide to the Fire Commissioner Dennis Leger told 22News the building was destroyed, with more than $100,000 in damage.

The family of 10 that lives there included six men, two women, and two children ages three and 11. They were all able to make it out of the home on their own.

Leger said that the fire started on the first floor, and quickly spread to all three stories. The exact cause of the fire hasn't been determined.

Maya Colon lives in the home. She told 22News that she is devastated by what happened.

"We worked so hard on this house. My grandpa built new stuff in this house. We bought so many things. It's just tragic. We're breaking down," Colon said.

The fire department also had to evacuate the home next door, which had some of its siding melted due to the heat. That building sustained some $10,000 in damage, Leger said.

The flames also melted a boat that was between the two properties.

The Red Cross is helping the family.