Firefighters were mopping up the area around 5:30 a.m. See more photos on North Adams 911.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Officials are investigating a Sunday morning fire that forced a family to flee their home..
The blaze at 76 Tyler was called into the Fire Department line at about 4 a.m. by a neighbor.
"Lt. [John] Paciorek arrived on scene, he had fire on the porch" prompting him call everyone in, said Fire Chief Brent Levebfre. "The father was outside asking about his wife and kids, who were still inside, and they made entry through the rear door and kitchen to try and push the fire back on itself."
The family was evacuated from the building and take to Berkshire Medical Center's satellite emergency facility mostly as a precaution. Levebfre said he believed there was some smoke inhalation and a cut hand.
The fire progressed quickly through the windows on the porch — opening the rear door to get to the family created a chimney effect pulling the fire up and through the house, said the chief.
The building suffered fire and water damage but Lefebvre thought it largely superficial and that the structure — except the porch — appeared to have escaped severe damage. It would be a gut job to repair, he said.
The chief said firefighters had done a good job in getting the fire swiftly under control within about 20-30 minutes. Northern Berkshire EMS, North Adams Police and Wire & Alarm and Clarksburg also responded. A downed wire on a fire truck disrupted operations for a short period.
Lefebvre said it looks like the fire started on the porch but couldn't speak to the cause at this point. The state fire marshal had been called to assist with the investigation. The home is listed as being owned by Brittney Flynn and Arthur Schmidt.
Lefebvre has been in the top job for two months now after a dozen years on the department.
"We're adjusting, we're doing good and I got a really great group of guys underneath me," he said. "My predecessor left me in a great spot."
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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