Working smoke detectors alert occupants of Springside Ave fire

On Tuesday, December 28th at 6:30AM, firefighters from 'B' Group were dispatched for a reported bed on fire at 100 Springside Ave. Firefighters from Engine 3 arrived to find fire showing from windows on the basement level of the single-story, six-family building. Firefighters from Engine 3 and Engine 2 pulled attack lines and made a quick knockdown of the fire. Tower 1 firefighters ensured evacuation of the other tenants and began salvage and overhaul operations. Engines 1 and 5 assisted in fire suppression, water supply and overhaul of the fire apartment. WMECO and Berkshire Gas was called to secure utilities. It was later learned by Investigators that the tenant was awoken by a working smoke detector and found smoke coming from the bottom of her bed. She quickly grabbed the burning heating blanket and ran outside with it. The cause was determined to be a faulty electric heating blanket. No injuries were reported to any tenants, although one firefighter suffered a minor laceration to his hand.

2nd Alarm Fire Damages Abandoned Apt. Building on Fenn Street

On Friday, December 17th at 00:36AM, 'A' Group firefighters were dispatched to 475 Fenn Street for reports of smoke coming from the building. Several other calls came into dispatch while units were responding reporting flames coming from the rear of the building. First arriving firefighters from Engine 6, led by Captain Stan Caesar, stretched a handline to the second floor of the four-family abandoned apartment building, encoutering heavy heat and smoke conditions. Tower 1 firefighters laddered several second floor windows and made quick work of venting the roof. A primary search of the building was negative, except for a squirrel found overcome by smoke on the second floor. Engines 3, 1, 5 and 2 were all called to the scene to assist in fire attack and overhaul duties, brought under control  within an hour. There was no power or gas to the structure. PFD Fire Investigators conducted an investigation and deemed the fire undetermined.

Combat Challenge Team competes in World Challenge XIX in Myrtle Beach, SC

The PFD Combat Challenge Team recently competed in the World Challenge XIX in Myrtle Beach, SC on November 11th and had great success! They competed in a wildcard seeding round on Thursday, finishing with a team time of 5:37, good for 9th place out of 19 teams that ran that day. They improved on their previous best team time by 23 seconds! Neil Myers led the team with a time of 1:48. Dan Garner, 1:51. Dan Aitken, 1:57. Jim Ziter, 2:06. The team would like to thank everyone who has supported them this year. Special thanks to Nuclea Bio, PFD Local #2647, and Berkshire Bank. It is very expensive for the team to stay competitive. Entry fees, equipment costs, travel, and other expenses add up and the team is appreciative of all those who provide financial assistance. Stay tuned for a leaner, meaner, stronger, and faster team in 2011!!!

Fire guts Pizza Works Restaurant

On Friday, October 8th at 3:10AM, 'A' Group firefighters were dispatched for a reported fire alarm activated at 804 Tyler St, Pizza Works. While responding, fire alarm advised a cell caller had reported smoke coming from the rear of the building. First arriving firefighters on Engine 2, led by Lt. Rich Jacob, found heavy smoke coming from the rear, proceeded to force the rear door and initiate an aggressive interior attack of the fire. Tower 1 firefighters provided ventilation, including cutting a large hole in the roof while Engines 3, 5 and 6 assisted in water supply, fire attack and overhaul of the structure. WMECO and Berkshire Gas responded to shut off the utilites. Fire was contained to Pizza Works and not allowed to spread into adjacent businesses.

D Group Battles Vacant Structure Fire

On Monday, September 27th at 02:57, a full assingment was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 140 First St, reported by PPD. First arriving personnel, led by Deputy Mark Cancilla, found heavy fire venting from the 'C' side of the vacant building and began an defensive attack, as the building was placarded for no interior firefighting. Due to the heavy fortification of the vacant building, the fire eventually burned through the roof. Tower 1 was charged and successfully protected the 3-story brick structure 20' to the north of the fire building. The fire was eventually brought under control aroud 6:00AM. The building suffered over $75,000 in damage and was demolished and removed the following day. MSP and PFD Fire Investigators conducted an orgin and cause investigation, deeming the fire intentionally set. There were no injuries reported, but many firefighters were exposed to heavy smoke due to the fortified windows and doors.

YouTube Video of the Fire

C Group makes quick work of structure fire involving vinyl siding

On September 25th, 2010, a full assignment was dispatched for a reported structure fire at 253 Lenox Ave. First arriving firefightes on Engine 5 found fire spreading up the side of the building from the electrical service. Further investigation found that a contractor had drilled into the electrical service causing the siding to ignite. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and checked for extension inside the building. WMECO was on scene quickly to terminate power to the building. No injuries were reported.

PFD FF Combat Challenge Team breaks State Records again!

The PFD Firefighter Combat Challenge Team just returned home from Elkton, MD with several new state records. Dan Garner broke the coveted 2-minute mark and set a new state record with a time of 1:51. Dan Aitken also broke 2 minutes with a run of 1:56. The team also broke the state Individual Team record again with a time of 6:00. If that wasn't enough, the team broke the state record again in the Team Relay event running as Team Nuclea Bio with a team of 1:28. For results, visit the Results page on the Team's website. All photos and videos are posted on their Facebook Page.

A Group works fire at 21 Orchard Street

On Monday, September 13th, A Group firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 21 Orchard St, a 2 1/2 story duplex. Acting Deputy Andrew Stephenson found heavy smoke coming from the 'C' side of the building and eves. Firefighters made a quick knockdown of the visible fire on the exterior and stretched lines into the 2nd floor and attic to find and knockdown the remaining body of fire. Extensive overhaul was necessary to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Firefighters performed salvage operations in both apartments, as both were occupied by families. WMECO responded to terminate power and the American Red Cross found temporary housing for the fire victims as the building has been deemed uninhabitable.

D Group responds to MVA involving Fire

On September 11th, 2010 at 01:57AM, D Group firefighters on Engine3 were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with the vehicle reportedly being on fire. The vehicle was found against the gaurdrail with the engine compartment involved in fire. There were no occupants found in the vehicle, lone operator was already under arrest by PPD. The fire was quickly extinguished and E-3 stood by until the vehicle was removed.

Department to hire four firefighters

The department is in line to hire four new firefighters to fill vacancies created by retirements. The recent SAFER grant, awarded in the spring, raised staffing levels to 94 firefighters and in order to retain the grant, the department needs to maintain that level for three years. The four firefighters hired on the grant recently graduated from the department's four week training academy and are currently working. There is no guarantee the new vacancies will be filled with local residents as prefence will be given to laid off firefighters throughout the state. Acting Chief Czerwinski hopes to have the positions filled in October.

'A' Group makes great stop of Crosby Place blaze

On Friday, September 3rd at 7:36 P.M., reports of a structure fire came in at 26-28 Crosby Place, located across from the Post Office. The first floor tenant had left home with cooking oil heating on the stove, only to return to find his apartment in flames. First arriving firefighters on Engine 3, led by Acting Deputy Stephenson, forced entry into the apartment and made an offensive attack on the heavily involved fire. The fire quickly went to a double alarm, calling all on duty personnel to the scene and Lenox Fire in to cover Headquarters. The fire was quickly brought under control but required extensive overhaul to completely extinguish it. Noone was in the four apartment dwelling at the time of the fire which sustained upwards of $50,000 in damage. On firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was treated and released from BMC. The American Red Cross has found temporary housing for the fire victims as the building has been deemed uninhabitable.

Fairfield Street Fire

On Friday, July 30th 2010 at 4:30 A.M., firefighters from ‘C’ group responded to a reported structure fire at 59 Fairfield St, called in by a neighbor who witnessed fire coming from the rear of the dwelling after smelling smoke as well as the alarm company. Firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Keith Phillips, encountered heavy fire in the rear of the dwelling, extending into the kitchen and upstairs hallway. The full assignment brought a total of three Engine Companies, the Tower Company and County Ambulance to the scene. Two attack lines were stretched to attack the fire while Tower 1 crew ventilated and set ladders. Noone was in the dwelling, as it was under contract to be sold. The fire was brought under control within an hour and personnel remained on scene overhauling. One firefighter suffered lacerations to his hands from falling glass.The cause of the fire is undetermined, but arson cannot be ruled out.
Members of the PFD Fire Investigation Unit, PPD and the State Fire Marshals Office are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Berkshire Eagle Article / News Channel 13 Coverage

PFD Firefighter Combat Challenge Team sets two State Records

The Firefighter Combat Challenge Team had a great showing this past weekend at the New England Regional Event in Marlborough, MA. The team posted a Individual Team time of 6:36 (sum of top 3 times) on Friday, good for 4th place overall and a new Massachusetts State Record. On Saturday, the Relay Team made it into the semi-finals. After a loss to Advanced Genetics, the Team won the Consolation Round with a time of 1:31 to take home 3rd place overall. This time was also a new State Record. The Team is thrilled with the fantastic start to the 2010 season and are contemplating their next event. We even made it onto FireEngineering.com! Please visit our homepage for more info on the Challenge, our results and to meet our team. For all our photos and videos from the event, visit our Facebook page.

PFD firefighters to compete in Scott Firefighter Challenge Competition

Firefighters Dan Aitken, Jim Ziter, Matt Mazzeo, Neil Myers and Mitch Kellar, led by Captain Dan Garner will compete in the Worldwide Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge event in Marlboro, MA this weekend. The team of firefighters, who have been training since December for the event, will continue the tradition of competition started within the department back in 1993 by several veteran firefighters. As Combat Challenge Team members, they strive to increase their physical and mental capabilities by pushing themselves to be the best possible athletes, which allows them to be even better firefighters. They train hard, and compete even harder to stand out among the best! The event is being held at the Solomon Pond Mall in Marlboro, MA on Friday at 4pm and Saturday starting at 10am. For more info, visit the Team Website or the Firefighter Challenge Website.

General Alarm Fire at 210-218 Wahconah Street

On Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 at 7:38 P.M.., a full assignment was dispatched for a reported Structure Fire at 210-218 Wahconah Street, a 2 1/2 story wood-framed row house containing 5 apartments. First arriving units found a light smoke condition showing from the exterior. Upon forcible entry to the front door of Apt. 218, heavy fire was found on the first floor. Once confirming all tenants were safely out of the building, firefighters began an aggressive interior attack of the fire on the first floor. After knocking the fire down, fire was found to have extended to the second floor and common attic space. Once in the attic space, the fire traveled the entire length of the building to above Apt. 210. The building's metal roof held the flames and heat in, proving difficult to fight. Operations quickly turned defensive when signs of roof collapse were realized, pulling all personnel out and fighting the fire from the outside. The fire went to a General Alarm, bringing a total of 8 apparatus and 30 firefighters to the scene and another 30 firefighters to provide relief and cover the City. Firefighters from Dalton, Lenox, Lanesboro and Williamstown Fire Departments responded with apparatus to Headquarters to assist in covering the City. Western Mass Electric and Berkshire Gas responded to shut off the utilities as did Pittsfield Police Detectives and a trooper from the State Fire Marshal's Office to assist PFD's Fire Investigators in the investigation. There were no injuries reported to any residents, however two firefighters suffered minor injuries. All 18 residents were left homeless.

The Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC), Pittsfield Salvation Army and the Berkshire County Chapter of the Red Cross responded to this location to assist the residents with food, clothing, shelter, and any other possible needs they could assist with to reduce the impact of this fire on the families. The cause of the fire was found to be from a problem with an electrical outlet.

Berkshire Eagle Article
YouTube Video

Pittsfield Fire recieves "SAFER" Grant

The Pittsfield Fire Department has been awarded more than $425,000 in a federal SAFER grant to hire 4 firefighters for a two-year period. Pittsfield was one of only four cities in Masschusetts to compete successfully in the first round of the grant program administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The SAFER Grants, or Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, is a program under the Department of Homeland Security to help professional and volunteer fire departments increase the number of trained, frontline firefighters in their communities.

The grant award of $427,198 will fully fund 4 firefighter positions for a two-year period with no local matching funds required. The City will be required to take responsibility of the salaries and benefits for the third year.

The Pittsfield Fire Department, at one point in time over 150 firefighters strong, currently has an authorized uniformed force of 87. The force will be increased to 91 throughout the grants period of performance.

Woman escapes injury while 'D' Group makes a great stop

On Tuesday, February 23rd 2010 at 12:17 A.M., firefighters from ‘D’ group responded to a reported structure fire at 240 Partridge Road, called in by the homeowner who was able to escape prior to PFD’s arrival without injury. Firefighters, led by Deputy Chief Mark Cancilla, encountered heavy fire in the basement and high heat conditions on the upper level. A second alarm was quickly struck upon arrival, bringing a total of five Engine Companies, the Tower Company and County Ambulance to the scene. Three attack lines were stretched to attack the fire while Tower 1 crew ventilated the roof. The fire was brought under control within an hour and personnel remained on scene overhauling. No injuries were reported to the resident or any firefighters.

The Red Cross responded to this location to assist the resident with food, clothing, shelter, and any other possible needs they could assist with to reduce the impact of this fire on the family. Members of the PFD Fire Investigation Unit are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Berkshire Eagle Article / YouTube Video

We made it to the top!

Many climbed, but in the end, Team "We'll Take the Stairs" came out on top!!! Despite a few of us suffering from severe head colds, we stayed strong and fought our way to the top, most of the way on air. Thanks to all who donated to this great cause, we raised over $2600 towards the more than $220,000 raised at the event! We look forward to another climb next year and supporting the American Lung Association in the fight against lung disease.

YouTube Video from American Lung Association

PFD members to climb 42 floors (789 steps) in the "Race Up Boston Place" fundraiser for the American Lung Association

On February 6th 2010, PFD members Mike Aitken, Dan Garner, Josh Healy and Neil Myers will tackle 42 Floors (82 flights of stairs) along with some family and friends, to raise money to support a cause. The American Lung Association’s Race up Boston Place. Mellon Financial Center, 201 Washington Street, One Boston Place Boston, MA. They will be taking the climb of their life up several flights of stairs for the opportunity to honor and celebrate life while taking ownership of the air they breathe! They have made a commitment to raise awareness for healthy air and raise money to fund research, education and advocacy efforts. The stair climb is more than just the name of an event; it is an opportunity to work together to defeat lung disease! The climb is unique as it tests ones strength, stamina and lung power.

Check out their Team Page!

Kent Ave fire displaces 26, victim rescued from 3rd floor. Another close call

On Saturday, January 23rd 2010 at 1:48 A.M., police officers on scene investigating a stabbing at 18 Kent Ave. reported smoke coming from the apartment building. A full assignment was dispatched for a reported Structure Fire. The first arriving unit, Acting Deputy Chief Stan Caesar, reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the triple decker apartment building. A second alarm was struck immediately bringing a total of five Engine Companies and the Truck Co. 'A' Group Firefighters from Engine 3 stretched a line into the first floor and began attacking the fire while other units began a search of the building. Within minutes, Fire Alarm dispatcher Sharon Auger alerted Command she was on the line with a cell caller trapped on the third floor, reporting he was just inside the balcony door at the front of the building. Command requested a third alarm, calling in additional off duty firefighters and mutual aid from Dalton Fire Department to cover the City. Dispatcher Auger was able to stay on the line with the victim until firefighters laddered the third floor balcony and found him, just inside the door suffering from intense heat and smoke exposure. An aggressive attack was made on the fire and a search was completed. The fire was contained to the first and second floor apartments on the east side of the building. Besides the rescued victim, no injuries were reported to any residents or firefighters, however all 26 residents were left homeless.

The Red Cross responded to this location to assist the residents with food, clothing, shelter, and any other possible needs they could assist with to reduce the impact of this fire on the families. Currently members of the PFD Fire Investigation Unit and Pittsfield Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

A total of 8 apparatus and 30 personnel responded to the call.

Berkshire Eagle Article

Fire causes minor damage to newly opened Beacon Cinema

On Saturday, January 16th at 1:20 P.M., firefighters responded for a reported fire alarm activated at the newly constructed Beacon Cinema on North St. The first arriving unit, Acting Deputy S. Peaslee, reported smoke showing from the second floor. Further investigation found a small fire sparked by oily rags left in a plastic carton that was being used as a waste receptacle inside an unoccupied, second-floor office. Firefighters from Engine 3 advanced a line to the second floor and extinguished the fire, contained to the floor surrounding the container. All 150 patrons of the Cinema were alerted by the fire alarm system and evacuated the building safely. Tower 1 firefighters fully ventilated the building. No injuries were reported to any patrons or firefighters.

A total of 4 apparatus and 12 personnel responded to the call.

Berkshire Eagle Article

Apartment Fire on Courtland Place displaces two families, close call

On Tuesday, January 5th 2010 at 12:22 A.M., firefighters responded for a reported Structure Fire at 32-34 Courtland Place. The first arriving unit, Deputy K. Phillips, reported heavy fire showing from the rear side of the first floor apartment. Firefighters from Engine 3 advanced a line into the first floor and began a primary search and fire attack. Firefighters from Engine 5, after securing a water supply, discovered a victim standing outside the building, stating he believes tenants are still upstairs. Engine 5 and Tower 1 firefighters laddered the second floor and began a primary search of the second floor, encountering heavy heat and smoke conditions. A second alarm was struck, bringing a total of five Engines and the Tower to the scene and Dalton Fire Department in to cover the City. Following a primary search, Engine 5 began an interior attack on the second floor and attic, while Engine 3 and Engine 1 attacked the first floor. Multiple crews performed suppression and salvage to bring the fire under control. One resident and one firefighter were transported to Berkshire Medical Center for injuries. Both families were left homeless.

The Red Cross responded to this location to assist the residents with food, clothing, shelter, and any other possible needs they could assist with to reduce the impact of this fire on the families. PFD Fire Investigation Unit conducted it's investigation of the fire and found the cause to be accidental, from careless smoking.