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.