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.
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Pittsfield Lights Now 12-Foot Christmas Tree
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Events coordinator Jennifer VanBramer says the annual tree lighting has been held since 1945.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city lit its permanent Christmas tree, now 12 feet tall, to dozens of cheering community members on Friday.
The annual tree lighting ceremony drew adults and children to Park Square as they waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive. It has been a Pittsfield tradition for 80 years, and a dedicated Christmas tree was planted in 2023.
"This event has been a long-standing Pittsfield tradition since 1945, and every year it reminds us just how special our city truly is," Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer said.
"Each light on this tree is a symbol of each of us, our families, our neighbors, our shared hopes. When we come together, we shine brighter. Whether you've lived here your whole life or are joining us for the first time, thank you for being part of what makes Pittsfield such a special place to call home."
Two children flipped the magic switch that lit the tree after a 10-second countdown. Soon after, Santa arrived on a firetruck and heard gift requests.
Mayor Peter Marchetti thanked people for coming out on "probably one of the coldest nights of the year.
"But it's not raining, and we've all been here in the rain before to light the tree," he said.
The young fir started around 9 feet tall, and is expected to grow up to 50 feet in time.
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Community members can escape the harsh temperatures and have a hot beverage at ServiceNet's warming shelter, which began in November and has been busy since. click for more
On Thursday, the Berkshire County House of Corrections storage facility was overflowing with toys making it the county's very own Santa's workshop.
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