Two Families Displaced In Cottage Street Fire

The Red Cross is assisting two families following a porch fire Monday afternoon at 623 Cottage Street in New Bedford.

District Chief Michael Dandurand says the fire was caused by carelessly discarded cigarettes.

He says the fire was put out quickly but the flames destroyed the tenament's electrical service.

The chief says the fire caused extensive damage to the first floor porch, and slight damage to the porch on the second floor. He estimated damage at around $10,000.