Pittsfield Fire Knocks Down Christmas Day Blaze

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A first-responder caught an image of the fire before the Fire Department got to the scene.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Christmas Day fire on East Mill Street displaced a family of five. 
 
Deputy Chief Daniel Garner reported that the Fire Department was alerted to the blaze at 23 East Mill at 4:39 p.m. on Dec. 25. Firefighters found flames venting from windows on the first floor of the 2 1/2 story wood frame structure. 
 
One crew conducted a primary search to ensure the three-unit building was evacuated while others worked to extinguish the fire in the first-floor kitchen. The fire was knocked down and under control within 20 minutes but the room sustained fire damage and the first floor smoke damage. Garner put the damage estimate as less than $2,000. 
 
The cause of the fire was not yet determined and the family was being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries reported. 

Tags: structure fire,   

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Dalton Board Reviews Draft AI, Social Media Policies

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Artificial intelligence is becoming a topic of discussion at several governmental agencies across the state, and has now come before the Select Board.
 
The board reviewed draft policies on artificial intelligence and social media usage at its Monday meeting. No vote was taken, as the drafts will first be reviewed by the town's attorney.
 
During the discussion, questions arose about clarifying vague language and understanding what state law permits regarding free speech on social media. These concerns will be reviewed by town counsel. 
 
The artificial intelligence policy aims to set clear standards guiding town employees, officials, and departments to use AI tools responsibly, legally, and securely.
 
The policy emphasizes that AI tools can assist, not replace, professional judgment for tasks including drafting preliminary documents such as memos, policies, and communications; summarizing public documents; providing research assistance; organizing and analyzing data; transcribing public meetings; and translation services.  
 
"The basic concept is you never want to take what's generated at face value without checking," Town Manager Eric Anderson said. 
 
The personnel using the generative "artificial intelligence" tool are required to review it to ensure the content is accurate, he said. 
 
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