NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two people were found dead in Monday morning's fire on Francis Avenue.
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Monday afternoon confirmed that firefighters had entered the single-family home to search for occupants and found the two already deceased. No other individuals were located inside the residence.
The names of the fire victims are being withheld until notification of next of kin. The DA's Office stated that an update would be released once that is done.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of their deaths. The North Adams Police and State Police investigators from the State Fire Marshal and DA's office responded to the scene.
According to an earlier statement from the Fire Department, the fire was reported about 7:11 a.m. Scanner reports said smoke was coming from the roof and out the doors, and that individuals may have been inside.
The home is on a hillside and firefighters entered through the basement access to attack the fire and search for occupants.
The blaze was contained to the single-family home near the intersection with Hooker Street.
Northern Berkshire EMS was called to the scene and Clarksburg was called to cover the station.
By 9 a.m., the fire was out, but police, fire and EMS were on the scene, which was cordoned off with yellow tape. Hooker Street was also closed off.
According to the department, "emergency response agencies will remain on scene for an extended period for overhaul, investigation, and safety operations. The public is urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely and efficiently. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available."
Original post at 9:50 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
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Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.
"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."
The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.
The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.
Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.
The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety.
"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."
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Nearly a year of study and community input about the deteriorating Veterans Memorial Bridge has resulted in one recommendation: Take it down. click for more
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