Norton Family Safe, Cats Perish in E. Main Street House Fire

A family of four was uninjured following a fire at 86 East Main St., Norton Thursday night.

The three-story wood frame home caught fire around 11:30 p.m. last night when Norton Fire Department was called to the scene.

“It took us 20 minutes to knock out the fire, and we stayed a little longer after that for cleanup,” said Norton Fire Captain Alvin Fuller.

While the two adults, one child, and infant who were home at the time got away unscathed, their five cats died in the fire. No firefighters were injured.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. It is under investigation by the Norton Fire Department Investigation Division and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The house was gutted by the fire and the family has been displaced. The occupants stayed with family for the night and are accepting assistance in getting food, infant supplies and emergency funds for clothing.

American Red Cross volunteers were on scene to help the family after the crisis. Kevin Olrid was there as the Disaster Action Team captain for Bristol County.  

“Our donors give ahead of time, so families like the ones in Norton can get funds immediately, as the need strikes,” said Red Cross communications director Kat Powers. “ If (you) would like to support disaster relief by giving a donation or giving of time – like Kevin Oldrid does in the middle of the night – you can check us out online at RedCross.Org/ma/boston. There are opportunities for folks who rush out to fire scenes, people who help with events and even volunteer writers.”

Powers also suggested that if people want to donate to this family in particular that they call Norton Fire Department.