Residents Displaced After South End Fire

Residents have been dispaced following a Wednesday morning fire in the South End.

The fire was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m. at 44 Valentine St.

New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes told WBSM News that, although it hasn't been conclusively determined, it's believed the fire at the 2 1/2 family home was started as a result of a cooking accident.

"We're still investigating but it appears at this point that the fire started in the kitchen near the area of the stove," said Gomes.

Crews arrived on scene and were able to keep it mostly contained to the kitchen and dining room areas.

"The fire was extremely smoky on arrival crews had to search it out and it was contained mostly to those areas and there was some minor extension into the attic," said Gomes.

No injuries were reported.

Gomes says the Red Cross has been notified to assist the displaced families.