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Clarksburg, North Adams Team Up to Save House
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — A single-family home was saved Tuesday night by a joint effort of the Clarksburg and North Adams fire departments.
The departments were able to quickly snuff out the structure fire at 72 Farview Heights Road, near the border between the two communities.
Clarksburg Fire Chief Carlyle "Chipper" Chesbro Jr. said the call initially went to North Adams, which was the first to respond to Tuesday night at 8.
"North Adams did a great job getting up here and knocking it down for us," Chesbro said. "Then we came in with our engine and tanker and assisted."
North Adams Fire Director Stephen Meranti said he was first on the scene and was quickly able to find the source of the fire in the garage.
"We had smoke coming out of the first-floor front door," he said. "We pulled in a hand line and attacked the fire in the basement while we had a second line on the first floor. At that point, Clarksburg arrived and they stretched a backup line."
Chesbro said Clarksburg came on the scene with a tanker because there was not an available hydrant.
Meranti said they were able to knock down the fire immediately before it caused serious damage.
"It was knocked down within minutes upon our arrival but the house was still full of smoke so you couldn't see your hand in front of your face," he said.
Chesbro said the family was out of the house when firefighters arrived and were able to provide information immediately.
Although there is no serious structural damage, he said the family was advised to stay somewhere else for the time being.
There was some concern about the family's pet cat that escaped the blaze but was nowhere to be seen, but North Adams firefighter Alan Richer was able to find it.
Chesbro said the cause of the fire is under investigation but it did not look suspicious.
Meranti said North Adams Ambulance and Police as well as Clarksburg Police responded.
"It was good team work by everybody, and everyone worked well together," Meranti said. "It is a good example of two departments working together."
