PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A basement fire on South Onota Street displaced two residents and caused extensive damage to their home Saturday night. While the residents and their dog escaped safely, several pet birds perished in the fire.

 

The Pittsfield Fire Department responded to 70 South Onota Street around 9:30 p.m. after receiving a report of an active basement fire. Firefighters arrived to find thick smoke pouring from the front door and flames visible through a first-floor window. Crews quickly entered the basement through a rear entrance and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes, preventing further spread.

 

The basement sustained significant fire and water damage, while the upper floors were affected by heat and smoke. The home is currently uninhabitable, and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. The cause of the fire is under investigation.