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Firefighters made quick work of a blaze in the second story of a home on Pine Street.
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Pittsfield Firefighters Knock Down Morningside Blaze

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department knocked down a two-alarm blaze in the Morningside neighborhood in less than an hour on Friday. 

Just before 3 p.m., the department received a report of a fire at 25 Pine St. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said he arrived at the scene first and saw heavy fire showing from the rear of the more than 100-year-old home. 

"We just went to work, pretty much," he explained. 

"Because of the heavy volume of fire and the potential for a high number of occupants, I called a double alarm, which called all available Pittsfield firefighters directly to the scene. And I would say the fire was knocked down and under control within an hour." 

Eight occupants were evacuating the home when firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. People, including the occupants, stood on the sidewalk and watched the scene unfold. 

When iBerkshires arrived, firefighters were on the ladder, extinguishing the top level of the home from the side and rear.  



There were five fire engines and one ladder truck. Hinsdale also came to assist, and Lenox and Dalton were called for standby. 

Garner believes the building is salvageable and repairable, but recognized that the family won't be able to stay there tonight. An extended family appears to live in the home. 

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined; the Fire Investigation Division was on site. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the residents of the home. 

 


Tags: structure fire,   

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Pittsfield Ice Rink Now Open

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The long-awaited ice skating rink is finally open for free public skating. 
 
Although late in the season, the rink will be open with posted hours from dawn to dusk, but may be closed at times for maintenance of the ice. 
 
Since the rink is equipped with lighting, the city has no objections to night skating; however, skaters are urged to remain mindful of safety, said James McGrath, park, open space and natural resource program manager.
 
It was previously reported that the city received a grant to offer skate rentals. However, because of the shortened season, this initiative has been postponed to future years.
 
The outdoor 50-by-100-foot refrigerated rink will be able to stay open until the ambient temperature rises above 45 degrees, McGrath said. 
 
This is currently projected to be the third week in March but could be sooner based on the weather conditions, he said. 
 
During the development of this initiative, many event ideas were tossed around however those will also have to wait until future seasons because of the shortened season. 
 
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