ADAMS, Mass. — An early morning fire on Richmond Lane gutted a single-family home Thursday. 

Update: The cause of the fire was ruled by the fire marshal, as the improper disposal of smoking material Fire Chief John Pansecchi said.  One firefighter was treated for difficulty breathing at the scene. Of the three cats, one was found deceased, another is confirmed to have escaped, and the fate of the third remains unknown.

The structure fire was called in about 4:30 a.m.; three hours later, firefighters were still chasing a smoky stubborn blaze between the first and second floors, Pansecchi said.

 

"It was heavy fire on the first floor, spreading to the interior," said Pansecchi. "It was unknown if anybody was in the house. Started a quick knock down, and got most of fire knocked down pretty quick."

 

The initial call was that someone was still in the home, but the chief said everyone had gotten out and was accounted for. 

 

The interior of the nearly 100-year-old Cape Cod was burned and blackened. Firefighters were able to enter the building and but smoke continued to pour of from under the eaves of the snow-covered roof as well as occasional licks of flame. The second story is listed as a three-quarter, with two dormers in the rear. 

 

"Right now, there's a lot of fire up in the void areas between the second floor, in the attic area about the second floor," Pansecchi said. "We're trying to get it, but it's stubborn. ...

 

"You got to open up all the ceilings and pull it all down. There's a couple hot spots on the outside that keep flaring up there."

 

He couldn't speak to the cause at this point but said the state fire marshal has been called to investigate. 

 

Cheshire and North Adams were called for mutual aid and Savoy is covering the fire station. County coordinator Gerry Cahalan, fire chief in Richmond, was at the scene along with Northern Berkshire EMS,  the town's Water Department, Berkshire Gas and National Grid.

 

Firefighters were expected to be at the scene for some time. 

 

"We're working on it," said Pansecchi. "The crews are working the tails off. They've done a great job."