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.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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