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
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