Blowtorch Ignites Exterior of Pittsfield Home

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The outside of a Second Street home was damaged on Monday after it was accidentally ignited with a blowtorch.

Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 125 Second St. at about 5:30 p.m. and found smoke and a blaze coming from the front of the single-family home.

With quick work, the first responders were able to keep the fire from penetrating the building.

Three engines and one ladder responded to the scene, with Engine 1 extinguishing the fire on the exterior, Engine 2 securing the water supply and checking to see if the fire had spread, and Engine 3 checking the interior of the home for fire.

One of the department's trucks assisted in containing the flame.


The cause was ruled accidental, as a property caretaker was removing weeds with a blowtorch and ignited the side of the building after coming too close. The siding was set on fire and it extended into the roof soffit area, growing inside of the siding and the wall boards from the ground to the roof.

No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported.

Damage can be seen to the structure in the front left corner and is contained there. Minimal water damage was reported.

The home was unoccupied and had a real estate agent's for sale sign in the front yard. A listing for the home could not be found online.

Built in 1880, it is a 2 1/2-story, wood frame single-family home.


Tags: structure fire,   

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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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