Fire Damages First Street Multifamily Home in Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fire early Tuesday morning caused extensive damage to a multifamily home on First Street, displacing residents and prompting an investigation by local and state authorities.
 
The blaze, which broke out around 1 a.m. at 233 First Street, is being investigated by the Pittsfield Fire Department, Pittsfield Police, and the State Fire Marshal's Office.
 
Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames on the back exterior of the 2 ½-story home. Crews quickly worked to contain the fire, extinguishing it outside before moving to the second floor, where the fire had spread. Additional teams searched the building and ventilated smoke from the structure.
 
The home sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage, with the first and second floors particularly affected. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents with housing and other needs. A fire crew remains on-site for monitoring and investigative support.

Tags: structure fire,   

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North Adams Man Indicted on Murder, Arson Charges

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Darius Hazard was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court on Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder related to deaths of his parents last November. 
 
Hazard, 44, pleaded not guilty to the charges and to a third charge of arson of a dwelling house.
 
He is being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction, where he has been housed since Nov. 25. 
 
Hazard is accused of assaulting his parents, Donald Hazard, 83, and Venture Hazard, 76, on Nov. 24, 2025, and setting fire to the family on Francis Street. 
 
The bodies of his parents were discovered in the home by firefighters. 
 
North Adams Police said Hazard allegedly confessed to the assaults and the arson when he was taken into custody that day.
 
Hazard was initially arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court on Nov. 26 and was to appear for a pretrial hearing on March 3. That hearing was postponed but he was indicted March 23 on the felony charges and his case removed to Berkshire Superior Court. 
 
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