NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— Firefighters battled a blaze at 319-321 Walnut St. in the early morning hours on Saturday.  

 

At 3:21 a.m., the Fire and Police departments along with Northern Berkshire Emergency Medical Service responded to a structure fire at the multifamily home. 

 

The blaze moved quickly through the two-story duplex and into the attic, causing extensive damage. Within minutes, it became an "all call" situation and Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company was called in for its air truck.

 

Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre said the fire took nearly 45 minutes to get under control. All residents escaped injury, although one was transported to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

 

He said three dogs were rescued, but two cats perished.

 

Both apartments were condemned and it's not clear how many people were displaced. A GoFundMe has been set up for Michael and Kathy Lemaire, who lived in one of the units (iBerkshires does not confirm online collections). Michael Lemaire posted that they woke up to the fire and were able to get out with their new puppy but lost everything else.

 

Another GoFundMe has been started for occupant Jennifer McKeon, who also lost all of her possessions in the fire. She was at work when the fire started and her three dogs were rescued by first-responders, although one was injured and not retrieved until later. McKeon, like the Lemaires, lost everything and is homeless. 

 

Tina Matejek and Joe Shelton, who lived in a third unit, also lost their possessions, their two cats and their vehicles. Their GoFundMe can be found here.