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Smoke And Fire Destroys North Adams' Family Home
 The fire started in a closet on the first floor. |
According to Fire Director Stephen Meranti, firefighters responded to a call at 1:21 a.m. to 70 East Quincy St. for a fire on the first floor. Upon arrival the fire was pinpointed to a closet in a downstairs bedroom and firefighters were quick to snuff it out. However, smoke filled the house and it is now unlivable.
"That's where the majority of the fire was contained," Meranti said. "It was knocked down fairly quick but we spent a lot of time ventilating it. It's a large house and the smoke went throughout."
The fire was detected by owner Michael Perras after the smoke had woke him up. The house did have working fire alarms but Perras discovered it first and got his wife, daughter and two pets outside. He then ran back into the single family home to get the phone to call 911.
Meranti said the fire was likely smoldering for a while and when Perras opened the closet door, that kicked up the flames.
"I smelled it. It woke me up... I grabbed the kid and the dogs and got out," Perras said. "That black [smoke] came quick."
While Meranti said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Perras said he thinks it may have been caused by a lightbulb. The closet is in the room of his oldest daughter, who was not home at the time.
The home is insured and an adjuster is expected to arrive soon. Perras' wife, Jane, said she is currently searching for a place to stay temporarily that is dog friendly.
"We're going to try and keep our routine up as much as possible," Jane Perras said, referring to keeping her 8-year-old in camp and getting through the holiday. "We're alive and we can replace what's lost."
Meranti said most of the personal items were damaged by the smoke.
Firefighters had the house on fire watch throughout the morning and were still on the scene at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday investigating the cause.
"It's not livable right now because of the smoke damage," Meranti said.
Michael Perras said the family purchased the home about two years ago.
Superior Court Briefs: June 25 - June 28
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Brian Podavini, 41, of Pittsfield had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts of conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
He was released on personal recognizance. Podavini allegedly conspired with others to sell cocaine in Pittsfield on April 3 and was in possession of the drug with the intent to sell on the same date.
Carey Pilot, 39, of Pittsfield had a not guilty plea entered on her behalf on a single count of conspiracy to violate drug laws. to wit: possession of cocaine.
She was released on personal recognizance. Pilot allegedly conspired with others to possess cocaine in Pittsfield on March 7.
Mario Babbs, 25, of North Adams had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on single counts of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.
He was ordered to be held at the Berkshire County House of Correction without bail. Babbs allegedly stabbed a 27-year-old man in North Adams on June 2.
Cases heard before Judge Mary Lou Rup on Tuesday, June 26.
J.C. Chadwell, 33, of Pittsfield was sentenced to three and a half to five and a half years in prison after pleading guilty on June 11 to gun charges.
Chadwell pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a violent or drug crime and possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card.
He was sentenced to three and a half to five and a half years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the possession of a firearm charge and a concurrent sentence at the Berkshire County House of Correction on the ammunition charge.
The charges stem from an incident in Pittsfield on August 22, 2009.
Cases heard before Judge Mary Lou Rup on Wednesday, June 28.
Jermaine Eurquhart, 40, of Pittsfield had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf on a single count of conspiracy to violate drug laws, to wit: distribution of cocaine.
He was released on $300 bail. Eurquhart allegedly conspired with others to sell cocaine in Pittsfield on March 4.
