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.