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Chelsea warns residents after two January fires; urges renters insurance, heater safety and notes parking-permit deadline
Summary
City administrator Fidel Maltés said two January fires left more than 50 residents homeless but caused no injuries; he urged renters insurance (cited $15–$30/month and roughly $1,000 coverage), gave portable-heater safety steps, reminded residents that parking permits are free through Feb. 28 (then $10 from March 1) and announced the State of the City on Feb. 9.
Fidel Maltés, Chelsea city administrator, told residents that the fire department responded to two consecutive fires in January that left more than 50 residents without housing and destroyed personal belongings, and he said no one was hurt.
"Afortunadamente, todos los residentes lograron escapar del fuego y nadie resultó herido," Maltés said. He said one of the fires was caused by a portable heater and used the incident to press safety precautions.
Maltés urged residents to obtain renters (tenant) insurance as a preventive measure. He described it as affordable — a range of $15 to $30 per month — and said such policies can protect about $1,000 of belongings and provide emergency funds. "Por favor, no esperen hasta que sea demasiado tarde," he said.
On heater safety, Maltés advised keeping portable heaters at least 3 feet from combustible materials (curtains, furniture, bedding), never leaving heaters unattended, turning them off when leaving a room or going to sleep, and plugging the unit directly into a wall outlet rather than using an extension cord.
Maltés also reminded residents that parking-permit renewals are free through Feb. 28; beginning March 1 permits will cost $10. He said the easiest option is to request permits online via the city's permitting portal (the exact URL was provided during the meeting) or in person at the City Clerk's office in City Hall.
Finally, Maltés invited residents to the State of the City address before the City Council on Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.; he said the speech will be available on the city's YouTube channel and on Chelsea Community Cable (Comcast channel 22).
Maltés closed by thanking residents and offering a blessing for the city.
