PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters battled a structure fire on Holmes Road, facing challenges when a frozen hydrant temporarily delayed their efforts to extinguish the blaze in an occupied home.

 

The Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 120 Holmes Road on Jan. 20 at 4:57 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported smoke coming from the eaves of the building.

 

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered moderate smoke coming from the second-floor windows of the two-story residential structure. Due to plywood covering several windows, it was initially unclear whether the building was occupied. Crews entered the home and found heavy smoke and high heat on the second floor, with blocked hallways complicating access to the fire.

 

Efforts were briefly hampered by a frozen hydrant, but firefighters were able to secure an alternate water source. Crews used a combination of interior and exterior attacks to bring the fire under control within 15 to 20 minutes. No occupants were found inside, and the owner arrived at the scene unharmed.

 

Firefighters remained on-site for several hours to fully extinguish the fire, while Pittsfield Police assisted with traffic control. Investigators continue to examine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.