Fire under investigation

Melrose fire officials are investigating the cause of a blaze that destroyed a two-family home in the 300 block of Franklin Street last Wednesday. The four-alarm fire spread quickly, displacing three residents and damaging several nearby houses and a detached garage. In all, four neighboring structures sustained heat damage, including melted vinyl siding, fire officials said. Damages were estimated at $300,000. - Brenda J. Buote

MORE SPACE FOR DOUGHNUTS - Kane's Donut Shop tonight will ask permission from the zoning board to expand the shop on Lincoln Avenue. The family-owned business has applied for a variance to add onto the right and rear of the building. Other public hearings include separate requests for sign permits from Chipotle Mexican Grille and CVS Corp., which are constructing buildings on Route 1. The board will meet at 7 p.m. at Saugus Public Library on Central Street. - Kathy McCabe

FIRE CHIEF TO RETIRE - David L. Parr, fire chief for 15 years, has announced his retirement.Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio named Captain Michael Sullivan interim chief starting Friday. The town has asked the state to hold a civil service exam and an assessment of candidates. Maio said the exam would be in March, with the top three candidates moving on, and he expects a permanent chief by next summer or early fall. All are invited to a reception for Parr on Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to noon, at Americal Civic Center. - John Laidler