A Group makes quick stop of fire at 25 Plunkett Street

On Monday, December 19th at around noontime, firefighters were called for a report of smoke coming from 25 Plunkett Street. First arriving units found smoke coming from the the second floor and eves of the two-story wood framed house. After confirming all residents were safely evacuated from the home, firefighters made an interior attack of the fire and were able to confine the fire to the kitchen of the second floor apartment. There were no reported injuries, although the tenants dog, cat and bird all succumbed to the heat and smoke in the apartment. The American Red Cross responded to provide aid and several fundraisers have already been planned for the families affected by the fire. As of this writing, the fire is under investigation by the Fire Investigation Unit.

D Group fights fire at three-family home at 64 Linden St.

On Tuesday, August 2nd at approximately 11:00AM, firefighters were called to 64 Linden Street for a reported structure fire. First arriving companies, led by Deputy Mark Cancilla, were met by heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor apartment of the three-family home. A primary search confirmed no occupants remained in the building as a successful interior attack was made on the fire, found to be located in a child's bedroom. The fire was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported. The Fire Investigation Unit was called to the scene and determined the cause to be from a child playing with a lighter in his bedroom closet.

Kitchen fire displaces family of five

A faulty electrical outlet is to blame for a fire in the kitchen of 233 Dewey Ave on Monday night. A mother was putting her three children to bed upstairs when she smelled smoke and heard smoke alarms sounding. She immediately got her kids safely outside and called 911. A full assignment response, led by Deputy Chief Mark Cancilla, was on scene within minutes to make entry and quickly put out the fire. Moderate fire damage was visible in the kitchen with moderate smoke damage throughout the residence. The American Red Cross was on scene to provide shelter for the family. Fire investigators as well as the city Wiring Inspector were on scene and determined the cause to be that of a faulty electrical outlet along the kitchen countertop.

Five Alarm fire heavily damages historic Elmwood Estates

On Saturday, May 14th at approximately 12:36 P.M., a full assignment was dispatched for a reported fire in a partition wall at 151-153 Bartlett Avenue. This 22 unit, three story apartment building was originally built in 1853, and was long called "Elmwood." The mansion was home to two generations of the Learned family for over eighty years, Miss Halls School, an Inn and now apartments. With this long history came extensive renovations to the 125ft X 100ft building, which would eventually severely hamper firefighters efforts to bring this fire under control. First arriving company Engine 3, led by Captian Terrance Andrus, found a smoke condition throughout the building and alarms sounding within, but no visible fire. Several lines were advanced into the buildings first and second floor and eventually the basement to extinguish fire above a water heater. Car 2, Engine 6, Engine 1 and Tower One were also part of the first alarm. Once firefighters made it to the second floor and began opening walls, it quickly became aparent the type of old construction and large void spaces they were dealing with. Fire was spreading quickly, upward and outward in all directions, eventually overtaking the entire attic space. Command immediately struck a second alarm.
All interior operations were switched to defensive when Officers discovered the extent of the fires progress and that there was not enough manpower to safely fight the fire from inside. Command called for a General Alarm a short time later due to the size of the building and the amount of manpower and resources that would be needed to successfully mitigate this fast spreading fire. Engines 5 and 2 arrived on the second alarm and eventually Truck 2, Squad 3 and apparatus and manpower from Dalton, Lanesboro, and Hinsdale. Lenox, Cheshire, Adams and Richmond Fire Departments manned stations with PFD members throughout the City throughout. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services responded with their Incident Support Unit, well as personnel from MEMA, The Berkshire County Sheriffs Department and the local American Red Cross.

The fire was fought for over seven hours before being completely extinguished. A total of 45 residents were displaced from the fire, all given aid from the Red Cross and the property owner Cavalier Management. No injuries were reported to any residents or fire personnel. Fire Investigators completed a full investigation into the cause and origin of the blaze, determined to be from overheated electrical wiring.

Arson fire quickly spreads throughout multi-family building

On May 5th, 2011 at 1:06 A.M., firefighters were dispatched for a report of a fire in the street at 52-54 Cherry St. Before leaving their stations, Fire Alarm advised all responding companies this was in fact a structure fire with numerous calls coming in. First arriving company Engine 2, led by FF Kurt Johnson, initiated an interior attack of the fire, stretching a line into the center stairwell leading to the second floor. Heavy fire could be seen coming from walls on both sides of the stairs as well as the second floor. Despite a valiant effort by fire crews to stop the spread of fire throughout the balloon-framed house, all units were ordered out of the building when fire began venting out of the attic on all sides. All occupants were confirmed to be safely out of the building as fire began attacking the underside of the roof, eventually collapsing. Two large apartment buildings to the north and east of the fire building were protected with master streams while Tower 1 and Truck 2 began aerial master stream operations. Several ground monitors were also put into operation to eventually bring the fire under control. WMECO and Berkshire Gas were on scene to control utilities and the American Red Cross responded to assist the four families displaced from the fire, fifteen civilians in all. One firefighter suffered a minor leg injury and no civilians were injured. Fire Investigators found the cause of the fire to be intentional and the investigation is ongoing.

A Group firefighters fight fully involved garage fire

Firefighters assigned to A group responded to a report of possible structure fire at 17 Grant St at 11:54 P.M. last night. First arriving unit Engine 5, led by Lt. John Jackson, found a unattached garage fully involved with fire. Firefighters were able to make quick work of the blaze with initial attack lines and keep the fire from threatening any nearby buildings. All the contents inside were destroyed, including two motorcycles, two lawnmowers and a snowblower. The cause of the fire was determined to be from careless disposal of ashes near a brush pile alongside the garage. No injuries were reported.

Careless smoking leads to double alarm blaze on Grove St

Firefighters on C Group were alerted to a small porch fire at 54-60 Grove St at 5:25 P.M. yesterday that grew into a double alarm blaze. Dispatchers were initially advised that a chair on the front porch of the four family building was on fire and that smoke blowing into the building alerted occupants. By the time first arriving companies, led by Deputy Chief Keith Phillips, arrived on scene, the fire had consumed the entire front of the building and was quickly spreading into the attic via the eves. High winds helped fuel the fire, which eventually took over the entire attic space and burned through the roof. 

Following a primary search of the building and knockdown of the fire on the front porches, multiple handlines were stretched into the building from the rear in an attempt to push the fire back out the front. But by the time firefighters reached the main body of fire in the attic, it was too late. Fire was already visible through the roof, which was in danger of collapsing, and conditions for firefighters inside were degrading quickly. All units were ordered out of the building and an attack of the fire was made from outside using several ground monitors and Tower 1. Around 7:00 P.M., the roof collapsed, seen in the picture at left. The fire was eventually brought under control and firefighters were able to access the attic area to look for and quell any remaining hot spots. All units were back in service by 10:45 P.M.

The Red Cross was notified and made arrangements with all families involved. Western Mass Electric and Berkshire Gas responded early on to secure utilities, as all service lines to the building burned away, leaving live power lines on the ground. A total of 18 firefighters fought the fire, with an additional 10 off-duty firefighters called in to cover the City with aid from Lenox Engine 3. No injuries were reported, though some of the residents may have suffered minor smoke inhalation prior to exiting the building. The cause of the fire was discovered to be from poorly discarded smoking materials on the front porch.

Careless smoking leads to porch fire on Third St

On Friday, March 18th at 10:20 P.M., firefighters were called to 88 Third St for a reported fire on the porch. Firefighters found fire consuming the rear porch and extending up the side of the home and quickly extinguished it. The fire was contained to the exterior of the structure and all occupants were allowed to return home. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was from improper disposal of a cigarette.

Fire held to attic of Hillside Ave residence

On Tuesday, March 15th, at 2:44 P.M., B group firefighters were dispatched to 19 Hillside Ave for a reported attic fire. First arriving units, led by Deputy Chief Bruce Kilmer, found light smoke coming from the attic window. Engine 3 made entry into the home and found a small fire in the corner of the attic and quickly extinguished it with a handline. Engine 5, Engine 1 and Tower 1 assisted at the scene. The fire, found to be caused from old knob and tube wiring, resulted in minor fire and water damage contained to the attic area. The power company responded to terminate power to the building as did the City Wiring and Building Inspectors to inspect the remainder of the building which was deemed inhabitable. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Firefighters hold fire to garage, save remainder of home

Homeowners were alerted to fire in their garage at 6:50AM on March 5th by their barking dog and all escaped unharmed. The fire, located at 9 Lanark Avenue, had started in the garage and was quickly spreading into the breezeway and the kitchen and attic of the house. The fire department was quickly alerted and responded with a full assignment. First arriving firefighters from D Group, led by Deputy Mark Cancilla, found heavy fire coming from the garage, where the roof had already collapsed. Firefighters made quick work of stretching lines into the main house and holding the fire to the breezeway and saving the remainder of the home. Water supply became an issue early on due to extremely low water flow from nearby hydrants.The damage to the home was estimated at $100,000 and included a car and a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the garage. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was found to be from overloaded extension cords in the

garage.

Fire in bathroom clears Pittsfield High School

C Group firefighters, led by Deputy Keith Phillips, made quick work of a fire in the bathroom at Pittsfield High School at 1:28PM this afternoon, evacuating all staff and students from the building. Evidence showed someone lit paper towels on fire on a water fountain and it extended up into a plastic paper towel dispenser, triggering the fire alarm system and spreading smoke throughout the front portion of the school. School officials advised they have cameras installed in the area and will review them in an attempt to find out who is responsibe. No injuries were reported and students were allowed to return for their final period classes.

Stubborn blaze guts Dewey Ave home

On February 9th, at 11:31AM, several calls came into Fire Alarm reporting a building fire at 169 Dewey Ave. One caller, the homeowner, reported finding the upstairs fully involved and stated everyone was safely out of the house. First arriving D Group firefighters, led by Deputy Mark Cancilla, found fire showing from several windows on the second floor and initiated an interior attack. Snow-covered hydrants hampered water supply efforts, requiring over 700' of supply hose to be stretched by Engine 5. The main body of fire was knocked down within 30 minutes, but took several hours to extinguish all the remaining hot spots, with fire extending into touch to reach attic and eve spaces. The entire second floor suffered extensive fire and water damage, while the first floor suffered water damage. The owner's pet cat perished in the fire, found in the rear second floor bedroom. One firefighter suffered minor burns to his face while battling the blaze. WMECO and Berkshire Gas were on scene to secure utilities and the American Red Cross assisted the tenants with housing arrangements.

Berkshire Eagle article / photos

Several members participate in the 2011 Race Up Boston Place

The annual Race Up Boston Place Stairclimb, a fundraising event for the American Lung Association, was held on Saturday, Feb. 5th at the Mellon Financial Building in Boston, MA. Team "We'll Take The Stairs," made up of several PFD firefighters and family and friends, helped in raising over $4,000 towards the event total of nearly $300,000. The climb, consisting of ascending 42 floors/85 flights in full turnout gear, was a first for several members of the team and a true eye-opening experience. Several team members set personal records in the timed event, including Dan Aitken and Neil Myers, both taking home the bronze medal in their respective age groups. The team roster nearly doubled since last year as well as their fundraising total. We look forward to next years climb and the continued interest among the members of our department to both stay fit and help in the fight against lung diseases.

2011 PFD Team Members:
Dan Garner - Team Captain
Keith Phillips
Mike Polidoro
Scott Ketcham
Dan Aitken
Josh Healy
Neil Myers
Wayne Ovitt

Fire causes minor damage to John St apartment

On Thursday, January 13th at 7:28AM, 'C' group firefighters made quick work of a reported possible fire in a bathroom fixture at 77/79 John Street. First arriving firefighters on Engine 3, found fire coming from a bathroom fan on the second floor of 79 John Street and quickly extinguished same with a portable CO2 fire extinguisher. Overhaul was conducted in the attic area above the bathroom fan to ensure the fire had not extended. A City Electrical Inspector was called to the scene and found the ceiling fan not to meet city code. No injuries were reported.

'C' Group holds high-rise fire to single apartment

On Wednesday, January 5th at 7:20PM, firefighters were dispatched for a reported structure fire at the Berkshire Town Apartments at 176 Columbus Avenue, located just west of PFD Headquarters. First arrving firefighters on Engine 3, led by Captain Michael Polidoro and Deputy Chief Keith Phillips, learned the location of the fire to be on the seventh floor. Firefighters made their way to the seventh floor, finding several residents gathered in the elevator lobby waiting to be taken down. Fire doors successfully contained the smoke to the north end of the building. The fire apartment was located and fire attack was initiated immediately. A second alarm was quickly struck, bringing all on-duty personnel to the scene. Firefighters from Tower 1 quickly began positive pressure venitilation of the building while Engine 5 provided backup to Engine 3 and began a primary search of the fire apartment and adjacent apartments. Overhaul was conducted immediately following fire extinguishment, with the fire being held to the one apartment.
 
One tenant was injured when struck by a hoseline being stretched on the fire floor, while no firefighters suffered injuries. WMECO and Berkshire Gas were called to the scene to secure utilities. Fire Investigator Matt Packard determined the cause to be from careless cooking on the stove. The apartment suffered moderate fire and heavy smoke damage, valued at $30,000.