Pittsfield Fire Department

A Group makes quick stop of fire at 25 Plunkett Street

2011-12-21T11:51:00.000-05:00

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.

Kitchen fire displaces family of five

2011-05-16T16:04:00.022-04:00

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

2011-05-15T10:55:00.001-04:00

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

2011-05-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

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

2011-05-02T11:13:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-27T12:00:00.002-04:00

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

2011-03-19T10:51:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-15T20:46:00.000-04:00

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

2011-03-05T13:30:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-14T15:00:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

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

2011-01-13T16:04:00.027-05:00

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

2011-01-05T15:08:00.072-05:00

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.

Working smoke detectors alert occupants of Springside Ave fire

2010-12-28T11:01:00.037-05:00

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

2010-12-17T10:30:00.045-05:00

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

2010-11-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

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

2010-10-08T16:25:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-27T13:33:00.005-04:00

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

2010-09-25T12:13:00.001-04:00

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!

2010-09-19T12:11:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-13T16:14:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-11T12:20:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-06T09:17:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-06T09:06:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-07T20:57:00.001-04:00

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

2010-05-18T21:27:00.001-04:00

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

2010-05-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-16T20:02:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-10T12:28:00.001-04:00

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

2010-02-23T18:20:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-02-07T19:46:00.005-05:00

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

2010-02-02T18:36:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-30T15:31:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-30T15:30:00.001-05:00

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

2010-01-30T15:29:00.000-05:00

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.