Pittsfield Firefighters Extinguish Two Fires

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters responded to two structure fires Saturday, Jan. 22 within the same hour.
 
Firefighters first responded to a call on 38 Beacon Ave to check a previous fire around 8 pm.
 
Firefighters were brought into the basement by the homeowner where they encountered smoldering wood joists, due to someone trying to thaw frozen pipes earlier that day.
 
Engine 5 requested a full assignment which included a command vehicle, 3 engines, and a Ladder Co.
 
It was determined that the fire had traveled up the interior wall into the attic of the home. It took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to bring the fire under control.
 
The cause was determined to be accidental.
 
The home suffered smoke, fire, and water damage but remained habitable. There were no injuries.
 
At 8:30 pm firefighters were dispatched to a 16 Harold St. kitchen fire. Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the two-story home.
 
Dalton and Lenox Fire Departments were called because other Pittsfield apparatus were committed to the Beacon Street fire.
 
It took crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The fire spread up an interior wall into the attic.
 
The home suffered water, fire, and smoke damage. The two occupants found alternative housing for the night.
 
The cause was deemed accidental due to unattended cooking.
 
There were no injuries.
 

Tags: structure fire,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories