Unoccupied BRTA Vehicle Caught Fire

10:53AM / Monday, January 22, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority experienced an electrical fire on an unoccupied 2018 vintage full-sized transit vehicle while parked inside the Downing Parkway Maintenance Facility on the morning of Dec. 20, 2023.

According to a statement released by the BRTA, maintenance staff were alerted by smoke detectors within the parking garage, and everyone was safely evacuated from the building. The Pittsfield Fire Department arrived on scene and completely extinguished the fire.

Federal and state authorities were notified of the incident along with the vehicle manufacturer and the insurance carrier.

Currently, this investigation remains open and only pertains to that vehicle. BRTA is confident in the safety of the remaining fleet.

Tags: BRTA,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

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

Pittsfield Man Facing Drug, Assault Charges

11:47AM / Wednesday, January 14, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man was taken into custody on Tuesday evening after allegedly threatening others in his North Street apartment.

Ixander Pereira, 22, was arrested after police say they discovered bags of material "consistent" with heroin on his person.

Pereira was charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm) and possession of a class A substance (heroin) and is expected to be arraigned in Pittsfield District Court today. No firearm was recovered.

Police responded a call about an "unwanted subject" in the 500 block of North Street at approximately 6:34 p.m.

The responding officers were told that someone had been threatened by a man with a firearm, and that there were multiple people, including the potential suspect, within a particular apartment.

Because of the information regarding the presence of a firearm and the number of people inside the residence, additional officers, including members of the anti-crime unit, also responded.

Officers were allowed into the apartment, and Pereira was taken into custody without incident.

View Full Story