Accidental Fire Damages Room at Freemen Center Shelter
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters doused what is described as an "accidental" fire on Tuesday afternoon that started in a closet of one of the Elizabeth Freeman Center's shelters.
Two women who were in the house were taken to Berkshire Medical Center by County Ambulance for smoke and fire extinguisher inhalation and an ankle injury.
The fire was reported at about 1 p.m. and caused minor damage to the floor of the closet along with smoke damage to the bedroom. Firefighters also broke a few doors to gain access to the room.
All occupants were out of the building when the fire crews arrived and the alarm system had gone off.
According to the report by Deputy Chief Neil Myers, one of the occupants had attempted to put out the blaze.
"The shelter director advised us the occupant of the fire room smelled smoke and found the fire in the closet and immediately grabbed a dry chem extinguisher to put out the fire," he wrote. "This brave action stopped the fire from growing in size and placing additional risk on occupants and [firefighters]."
Three engines and Tower 1 responded to the scene to extinguish the fire, assist occupants with medical treatment, and checked for any extension of the fire and ventilated the building. The Fire Investigation unit determined it to be accidental.
All staff and occupants were allowed to return to the residence with the exception of the fire room.
Tags: structure fire,