PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters were able to knock down a blaze in an unoccupied house at 58 Valentine Road on Wednesday. 

 

Firefighters responded at about 4:43 p.m. after multiple people reported seeing fire showing from the structure as they drove by. 

 

It was unknown at that time if anyone was still in the building.

 

Deputy Chief Neil Myers said four engine companies and a ladder company responded and found flames coming from the right exterior of the single-story ranch and immediately stretched a hose line for fire attack. An off-duty sheriff's deputy was  at the scene and had used a garden hose against the fire on the exterior of the home. 

 

Engine 3 established a water supply and truck company completed a primary search while Engine 1 located and knocked the main body of fire down. 

 

The home was found to be unoccupied, and the homeowner arrived approximately 10 minutes after firefighters' arrival. The fire was safely under control within that time with fire damage confined to a bathroom and the immediate exterior of the home. The remainder of the home suffered severe smoke damage throughout. 

 

No fire or civilian personnel were injured.

 

The homeowner had recently purchased the house and was in the process of renovations with plans to move in within the month. 

 

County Ambulance responded to the fire scene with Dalton and Lenox providing mutual aid coverage for the city for a short time along with eight off-duty firefighters. The Fire Investigation Unit is currently investigating the origin of the fire.