On New Year’s Day an apartment building caught fire on Northeast Street in Holyoke. The fire took three lives, 48-year-old Maria Cartagena, 55-year-old Jorge Munoz, and 34-year-old Trevor R. Wadleigh. This tragedy displaced 25 families. 

“We arrived on the scene to a fire so advanced,” said Captain David Rex Jr., “it was hard to get ahead of it. HFD did their job to the best of their abilities.”

After 4 long days of investigation it was determined the fire began due to a faulty electrical outlet in a third floor apartment.

In an effort to relieve the 49 now homeless and possessionless victims both the City and Holyoke High School are accepting donations.

“I can tell you this,” said Rex, “there’s no city in the world that will take care of its people like Holyoke.”

Thank you to all first responders to the unfortunate disaster that shook all of Holyoke. Please bring any boxed or canned goods you have available to the main office at Holyoke High to donate.