The Great Barrington Fire Department extinguished a fire at the Pizza House on State Road early yesterday morning. According to Great Barrington Fire Chief Charles Burger at approximately 3:30am firefighters were dispatched to the eatery at 36 State Road, for a report of a structure fire with tenants possibly trapped on the floor above.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire venting from the first floor kitchen windows and smoke coming from the remainder of the building. Tenants were able to escape the building prior to firefighters' reaching the scene, but there was still some uncertainty about whether or not a second apartment was occupied at the time the fire started. Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack and conducted an efficient and thorough search of the second floor while battling extreme heat and zero visibility inside the building. Their search confirmed that there were no tenants left inside, and crews were able to quickly knock down the flames.

Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters remained on scene to extinguish hot spots. Fire damage was limited to the first floor kitchen and a second floor bathroom, but there was smoke damage throughout the entire building. Residents in the upstairs apartments suffered from smoke inhalation that is not believed to be serious, and later went to the hospital on their own to seek medical treatment. Displaced tenants were able to make alternative arrangements for shelter.

The fire, which was investigated by the Great Barrington Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's Office, is believed to have been caused by an electrical failure.

Courtesy Photo: Brian Mead
Courtesy Photo: Brian Mead
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A first-floor fire at 36 State Road was believed to have been caused by an electrical failure.

 

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