The scene was going to be held for a couple hours to allow for the investigation.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A local man is being detained in the investigation into a suspected arson on Cleveland Avenue on Monday afternoon.
"He's being detained as part of the investigation. So that's all the details we have right now, but we're gonna hold down the scene so we can do a full investigation," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey.
The state fire marshal and state investigators were at the scene later in the afternoon with a dog; Cleveland Avenue remained closed off with the likelihood investigators would be there until later in the evening.
The initial call was that there was a pipe bomb shortly after noon. This has not been confirmed. Then it was called in as a house on fire and police, firefighters and Northern Berkshire EMS responded to the scene.
There was some smoke coming from an upstairs apartment of the home, where the fire apparently started in a bed.
The blaze was put out quickly and one of the home's occupants was taken into custody. The other occupant was able to get out safely though they said their cat was still inside. The cat was found unharmed later and removed safely from the scene.
Interim Police Chief Mark Bailey said earlier in the afternoon that the state fire marshal had been called and that the scene would be held for a couple hours.
Police set up yellow tape around the scene to block traffic and keep nearby residents at a distance. Bailey and detectives entered the unit with gloves on. Firefighters brought in a fan and opened windows in the upstairs apartment to let out smoke.
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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site.
'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.
The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.
'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday
A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.
Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10
A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.
Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.
Friday
Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more.
Mass Kids Lit Fest
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road.
Looking out at that scenery doesn't have to end when you go indoors with Marvin scenic doors, transforming any space by bringing the outdoors in.
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Waste treatment plan supervisor Brad Furlon warned the Finance Committee last week to expect a future 500 percent increase in sludge disposal.
click for more
The fund had grown immensely over the past 25 years, raising some $1.75 million during that period. But the 1960s would see the fund grow even more in both fundraising and the agencies it supported. click for more
