Pittsfield Duplex Fire Displaces Six, Kills 2 Cats
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Six people were displaced, and two cats died in a duplex fire Monday night.
Just before 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 54-56 Worthington Place.
Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and saw smoke showing from the first and second floors of the three-story wood-frame home.
The main body of fire on the first floor was knocked down within a few minutes, allowing companies to quickly check the remainder of the apartment and complete searches. The remaining fire and hot spots were deemed under control within 30 minutes.
All occupants were accounted for by Pittsfield Police upon PFD's arrival. Three cats were found in the apartment with the fire, one alive and two deceased. Two dogs made it out of the blaze.
Four engine companies, a ladder company, and the deputy chief responded.
"Thanks to quick decisions of the fire apartment occupants to call 911 right away certainly aided in a rapid PFD response from our two closest stations on Columbus Ave and West Housatonic St and saving the structure from severe damage," PFD wrote in a press release.
"The occupants were upstairs when this fire started and were able to quickly make their way downstairs, past the fire and out the front door safely with no injuries. Three adults, three children, two dogs and a cat were displaced from the two apartments. Red Cross responded and assisted with housing and
necessities."
There is no estimate of damage loss at this time; the right apartment suffered severe fire and water damage while the left apartment suffered smoke damage. All utilities were disconnected outside the building.
No injuries were sustained by PFD personnel, and the fire remains under investigation.
Engine 3, Truck 2, and Car 2 arrived on the scene within 60 seconds of leaving their station and reported smoke showing from the first and second floors of the home.
E-3 immediately began a quick and aggressive fire attack on the first floor of the right-side apartment and a primary search. The Truck company laddered the building, and E-1 assisted with securing a water supply and searching for extension on the left-side apartment.
E-5 provided a backup line and assisted with extinguishment and search of the remainder of the right-side apartment. E-6 was assigned as the rapid intervention team. Action Ambulance responded to provide EMS coverage throughout the incident.
Several off-duty PFD members were called back to staff the command position and a truck company at HQ with Engine 2. Dalton Fire was put on standby in their station with an engine company.
Tags: structure fire,
