Early Morning Fire in Pittsfield Sends One to Mass General
Firefighters in Pittsfield were called to the scene of a building fire at 25 Hubbard Avenue just before 1 am this morning. Five engines, a ladder truck, and a command vehicle responded. While they were en route additional calls reported a basement fire with a victim trapped inside.
Crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the building. Three family members were already out of the house and confirmed that a daughter was still inside the house and in the basement. Fire crews entered the basement to search for the victim. A primary search of the first/second floors was initiated as firefighters attempted to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters found the seat of the fire and began extinguishment, but initially couldn't locate a victim. She was finally located in an adjacent first-floor bathroom. The victim was still breathing and was immediately carried out to awaiting County EMS and transported to BMC and was later flown via helicopter to Mass General with extreme smoke inhalation.
The Hinsdale Fire Department provided air/rehab support, while Lenox, Dalton, and Lanesboro Fire provided mutual aid city coverage. The Red Cross is assisting the family with housing.
One firefighter was transported to BMC with lacerations to a knee suffered while searching for the victim in the basement, requiring 8 stitches.
The blaze caused major fire, heat, and smoke damage throughout the basement. There was also smoke damage throughout the first/second floor and the garage. Deputy Fire Chief Neil Myers said that the fire damage was estimated at more than $50,000.
PFD and MSP Fire Investigation Units responded and are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
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