The police Detective Bureau is investigating the fire, described by some as an 'explosion.'
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A city man was seriously injured in what was described as an "explosion" in his State Road apartment.
The cause is unknown at this time and the incident is under investigation by North Adams Police and Fire and the State Fire Marshal's Office.
Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre said the individual was pulled out through the back window of a bedroom in his first-floor apartment with "significant burns to the lower extremities."
"He's been taken to the appropriate facility but at this time, we don't have any further information," the chief said.
The victim was reportedly taken to another hospital by medical helicopter from Berkshire Medical Center's North Adams campus.
The incident was reported as a structure fire at about 2:26 p.m. Lefebvre said there was a small amount of fire that was quickly snuffed when firefighters arrived.
The building at 1054 State Road has five apartments and is owned by David Chenail Sr. and Elaine M Chenail Trustees, according to city records.
The fire took place in the back of the apartment on the eastern side of the structure and was tightly contained to that area.
Lefebvre said there was no structural damage but there is heat and smoke damage that would prohibit the other tenants from staying in the building at least tonight.
"But it's definitely cleanable ... very, very little damage to the structure," he said.
State Road was closed from the line with Williamstown to Ashton Avenue for more than an hour because of fire hoses across the road. In addition to fire and police, Northern Berkshire EMS responded with three units.
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Neal Secures $700,000 for North Adams Flood Chutes Project
Mayor Jennifer Macksey at last August's signing of an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal has secured $700,000 in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' budget to complete a feasibility study of the Hoosic River flood chutes.
The Corps of Engineers is in the midst of a three-year, $3 million study of the aging concrete flood chutes that control the passage of the river through the city.
North Adams has ponied up $500,000 as part of its share of the study and another $1.5 million is expected to come from state and federal coffers. Neal previously secured $200,000 in the fiscal 2023 omnibus spending package to begin the feasibility study.
The additional funding secured by Neal will allow for the completion of the study, required before the project can move on to the next phase.
Neal celebrated it as a significant step in bringing the flood chutes project to fruition, which he said came after several months of communication with the Corps.
"The residents of North Adams have long advocated for much needed improvements to the city's decades-old flood chutes. This announcement is a substantial victory for the city, one that reaffirms the federal government's commitment to making this project a reality," said the congressman. "As a former mayor, I know firsthand the importance of these issues, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of residents.
"That is why I have prioritized funding for this project, one that will not only enhance protections along the Hoosic River Basin and reduce flood risk, but also make much critical improvements to the city's infrastructure and create jobs."
But not enough for Finance Committee member Andrew Fitch, who voted against the compensation and classification plan because it did not include a city planner.
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The Corps of Engineers is in the midst of a three-year, $3 million study of the aging concrete flood chutes that control the passage of the river through the city.
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This weekend, the Berkshires and surrounding areas will have a variety of events, including concerts, comedy, farmers' markets, and more.
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The License Board on Tuesday approved two license transfers including one for V&V and a license for a restaurant in the former BrewHaHa on West Main Street.
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Board Chair Peter Mirante thanked the sponsors of the breakfast event at the Berkshire Hills Country Club, including his employer, Adams Community Bank, for allowing him to attend the nonprofit's many events and functions and encouraging his involvement. click for more