Early Morning Blaze In Pittsfield

The Pittsfield Fire Department responded to 79 Taylor Street for reported building fire just after 12 am this (Wednesday) morning. While on their way, dispatch fire received multiple calls reporting heavy fire involvement. Upon arrival firefighters wound a well involved fire in the rear of the 2.5 story wood frame residence with a 20lb propane tank with relief valve activated and on fire.

A double alarm was struck immediately upon arrival bringing the entire on duty PFD force to the scene. Engine 3 immediately began fire attack on the propane tank and rear of building, quickly darkening down the blaze. Engine 1 assisted with water supply and stretching lines into the building. Other fire vehicles provided support with laddering, access, and an intense fire attack on the structure.

Water supply was a struggle being at the end of a dead-end main requiring additional hydrant lines laid. Companies were unsuccessful with a hard-fought interior attack and we were ultimately forced to fight from the outside with master streams.

Berkshire Gas and Eversource responded for utility control, County Ambulance provided on scene rehab, PPD assisted with traffic, Red Cross and Salvation Army assisted the tenants with living arrangements. Lenox and Dalton FD assisted numerous off duty PFD members covering the city throughout the incident.

The fire was ultimately brought under control at around 5am. 6 occupants were at home at time of fire. The mother of the family was awake and alerted everyone to evacuate the building. One tenant suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to BMC. The cause of the fire is under investigation.