NA Family Picking Up The Pieces After Losing Everything In A Fire

A two-family home in North Adams went up in flames Saturday morning. IBerkshires.com reports that according to Fire Chief Stephen Meranti, upon arrival at the house at the corner of Cady and North streets, firefighters found the structure fully involved with flames. Ed Rich and his mother Leslie along with their pets made it out, but losing everything can be a devastating event in anyone's life.

The cause of the fire is under investigation with help from the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

Nicholas Mantello

Photo Nick MantelloNA911 Photography/Facebook

Nick MantelloNA911 Photography/Facebook

There has been a Go Fund Me page put up to help these folks who have lost everything. Joe Noel & Ed Rich started it for them. And also give us insight into how helpful in their lives this family has been.

Dearest community, we call you together to help us support two of our own. On the Morning of February 29th, at the corner of Cady and North Street a devastating fire ripped through a quiet North Adams home. The home belonged to Ed Rich, known to all as a hard working son and generous friend, who’d saved for years to buy the home so that his mother could have a permanent place to comfortably live out her retirement. Ed’s mother Leslie Rich, President, Director and the heart and soul of Furry Friends Foster and Rescue, Inc. hasalways put her community first, helping animals and their caregivers get a new start. Although Ed, Leslie, and their beloved animals were able to escape the fire unharmed; any sense of security, as well as all of their memories and possessions have been lost to the inferno. It is important to us that our displaced neighbors, who have done so much for our community, their friends and family, are not forced to start over alone. Help us help Ed and Leslie get back on their feet after this terrible event with a donation of any amount. Large or small, every contribution counts.

Nick MantelloNA911 Photography/Facebook

‎Also, Marilyn Honig on Berkshire Helping hands posted that there are thing they need right now.

Below is a list of immediate needs for the family affected by the house fire on Cady St. in North Adams.
New or gently used, clean clothing only, and please, only the sizes on the list. Please pm me if you’d like to donate clothing or a gift card.

When you lose everything in a fire don't forget lifes daily needs too like shampoo, toothbrushes, comb, brushes,etc.

Women’s:
Tops- size small
Pants- size 6 or 8
Shoes- size 6.5

Men’s:
Shirts- size med or large
Pants- size 32 waist, 30 length
Shoes- size 9