Firefighters save multi-family home in Pittsfield

By Dick Lindsay, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Updated: 04/20/2009 05:36:47 AM EDT


Monday, April 20
PITTSFIELD — Numerous 9-1-1 phone calls, quick work by firefighters and the city's new 100-foot aerial truck all contributed to saving a multi-family home in Pittsfield over the weekend — but the fire still left four families temporarily homeless, according to fire officials.
Deputy Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski said "the multiple calls" from citizens reporting the fire around 7:20 p.m. on Saturday indicated a serious situation at 68-70 Boylston St. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames showing at the rear of the building with smoke billowing from the attic of the two-and-half story wood frame.

Czerwinski said the firefighters knocking down the fast-moving blaze and containing it within an hour probably saved the building.

"Structurally, the building appears sound," said Czerwinski.

Nevertheless, officials reported heavy fire damage to the northwest corner of the building where the fire began. In addition, flames damaged the attic, while smoke and water damaged the second floor apartments.

Czerwinski said what caused the fire remains under investigation.

While the tenants home at the time escaped injury, the unknown total number of residents at 68-70 Boylston will need to live elsewhere for now, according to fire officials.

Saturday's fire was also the Pittsfield debut of the city's new 100 foot ladder/platform truck. The $750,000 vehicle, which replaced a 75-foot,


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35-year old ladder truck, allows firefighters to gain better access to fires from up above.
Czerwinski said the new fire truck enabled firefighters to reach the attic and stop the blaze from spreading.

"It's a lot safer truck, having the platform to work from," noted Czerwinski. "It's better than leaning into a ladder."

To reach Dick Lindsay: rlindsay@berkshireeagle.com, or (413) 496-6233.