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Pittsfield firefighters are battling a major structure fire on North Street.
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North Street has been blocked off past Linden Street.
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Pittsfield Firefighters Battling 3-Alarm Blaze on North Street

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters were battling a large blaze on North Street late Wednesday night. 
 
The fire at 6 White Terrace was called in shortly before midnight as a structure fire and a third alarm was called in. 
 
Smoke could be seen billowing from the upper floors of the four-story building that fronts on North Street not far from Berkshire Medical Center. 
 
This fire appears to be in the middle section of the building. There's heavy smoke and flames can be seen coming out of windows, and the roof.
 
North Street was blocked off from at least Linden Street to White Terrace and a smoky haze covers the area. 
 
The apartment building was the scene of a fire in 2017 on the north end of the three-structure complex. At least two dozen people had to be evacuated at that time and four people were treated at the hospital.
 
Fire Department officials were unable to comment at this time and the building is reportedly unoccupied.
 
Hinsdale Fire Department and its rehab bus are on the scene as are Lenox firefighters. Police are not allowing anyone close to the scene and visibility is low from smoke.

Tags: structure fire,   

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Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue. 

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry. 

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer. 

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday. 
 
The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings. 

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote. 

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Attempted murder
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

  • Attempted murder
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday. 

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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