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Firefighters at the scene of a fire on Wealthy Avenue on Tuesday afternoon.
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The dead-end street was blocked off.
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Pittsfield Firefighters Douse Blaze in Wealthy Avenue Home

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters quickly doused blaze in a single-family home on Wealthy Avenue late Tuesday afternoon. 
 
Scanner reports said it was called in as a lightning strike but the cause is still under investigation. The fire occurred during a line of severe thunderstorms rolling over the region.
 
Capt. Robert Stevens said the fire was called in at 4:24 p.m. and that there was heavy smoke coming from the second floor when they arrived on scene. 
 
"We did make it a double alarm fire," he said. "Engine 2 crew took a line in, made an interior attack, we were able to get the fire under control relatively quickly." 
 
He estimated it took about 20 minutes to bring it under control. Five engines, the ladder company and the chief and deputy chief responded, as well as police, Action Ambulance.
 
A second story window was knocked out of Cape Cod home and soot could be seen around it. 
 
All five occupants of the house were outside when the call came in, and Stevens said that was confirmed when they go to the scene. Non one was injured and no pets were affected. 
 
"Right now we have the double-alarm staffing and a truck company came from Lenox to cover headquarters," he said.
 
The dead-end street was blocked off to traffic during the incident. 

Tags: structure fire,   

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Parks Commission OKs Wahconah Park Event, Clapp Park Dugouts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Baseball dugouts are planned for Clapp Park, and in April, the community will have one last look inside the historic Wahconah Park grandstand before it is demolished. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved a "Farewell to the Grandstand at Wahconah Park" event to be held on April 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer explained that the event will allow the community to see the more than 100-year-old structure before it comes down later in the spring. 

"Attendees will be able to go up to the top of the ramp to get a look into the grandstand for one last chance and quick photo op, but they can't get any further due to safety concerns," she explained. 

The property at 105 Wahconah St. has drawn attention for several years after the grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022. Planners have determined that starting from square one is the best option; a $15 million rebuild is on the table. 

There will be speeches from city officials and Baseball in the Berkshire Director Larry Moore, a slideshow with old photographs and memories shared from the community, a table with renderings of the new grandstand, a memory table, and a story booth where short interviews can be recorded. 

"Ernie the Hot Dog Guy" is also confirmed as a food vendor. 

"We're looking forward to great weather, and unfortunately, we won't be able to get everyone fully into the grandstand, but certainly we'll be able to have folks view the grandstand from the safe areas of the grandstand," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained. 

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