Early Morning Fire Strikes College Avenue Home

Nine people were displaced early Thursday morning by a fire at 151 College Avenue, near the Powder House Rotary, according to the American Red Cross of Massachusetts.

Somerville Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher said the fire broke out at about 4:15 a.m. on the second-floor porch of the two-and-a-half story home. The fire extended to the upper floor of the building, causing approximately $60,000 in damage, he said.

Kelleher said the cause of the fire was accidental, possibly the result of smoking.

One firefighter received minor injuries but remained on duty, he said.

The Red Cross assisted two families, the aid organization said in an email. It provided some of the residents with emergency hotel stays, and it provided emergency funds for food, clothing and comfort kits, including toiletries, it said.