In Hingham, the Cutter family had just moved to their home on Mann Street, and had hopes it would be a forever home.
Two weeks later, a four-alarm fire destroyed the home, and damaged four nearby homes in the Crow Point neighborhood.
More than 125 firefighters and mutual aid from around the region responded to that scene on July 11, but the outpouring of support for the Cutter family has been tremendous in the wake of tragedy.
Pat and Haley Cutter spoke to WATD about the Cut Fire Fund, which seeks to give back to first responders, and families affected by fire.
“It’s our appreciation and support. They put themselves on the line every single day,” said Haley Cutter. “We’re so fortunate and blessed, we really wanted to find a way to give back.”
Sue Hawkes organized the original fund, which raised just under $28,000.
In addition, the Cut Fire Fund aims to raise awareness for the prevention of fires, and strategies to help children who are impacted.
“We have our 12 and 10-year-old kids, our 12-year-old was in the house at the time,” said Pat Cutter. “We just look at any families that are affected by fire, and how they’re put out, and all the things they go through. It’s understanding not only the first responders, but the families that are affected, and what can we continue to do, and help everybody that we can.”
On Wednesday, they hosted a first responder appreciation night, with free food and drinks at the Paragon Boardwalk in Hull.
The band, Blacktop Strut, put on quite the show for the event.
“We’re so grateful just to have the job, and be able to do what we do. For somebody to even think about doing something like this, I’m just super grateful that there are folks out there that appreciate what we do,” said Captain Nathaniel Winnie of the Hingham Fire Department. “If anything, I’d just like to say I appreciate them.”
Winnie and members of local fire departments stopped by for the event.
Haley Cutter said the Hingham Fire Department provided immediate support, including Chaplain Steve Grissom.
“It was obviously a wild scene. They showed up, and the house was fully-involved. For us, just to be able to be there and be a presence for the family, and to do what we can to care for them, and answer any questions they have,” said Grissom. “They obviously lost everything. For me as a chaplain, I just want to be a presence that’s calming, comfort, and answer any questions they have.”
In joining local first responders, he said they wanted to continue their support.
“I’m just thankful for the Cutter family, and just the way of which they reached out to the first responders, it means a lot, because many times firefighters or first responders – they are often overwhelmed…” said Grissom. “It’s just a great support to them.”
Pat and Haley Cutter hope to expand with more events in the future. After an August fire in East Boston, the Cut Fire Fund put together care packages for four families and seven children who were displaced.
The Hingham community has meant so much to them in a short amount of time, and that’s where they plan to settle down.
“We’re going to rebuild right on that site,” said Pat Cutter. “As soon as we can, that’s going to be our home. We can’t wait to get back with the neighbors, and we’ve actually been fortunate enough too, that one of the neighbors in our area is renting their house to us, so we’re still there.”
“It’s the only place we want to raise our family,” said Haley Cutter.
They’re in the process of establishing a website for more information.
For now, people can go to TheCut.FireFund on Instagram.
Original story:
https://959watd.com/blog/2022/07/one-home-collapses-four-homes-damaged-after-four-alarm-fire-in-hingham/
