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Smoke And Fire Destroys North Adams' Family Home
 The fire started in a closet on the first floor. |
According to Fire Director Stephen Meranti, firefighters responded to a call at 1:21 a.m. to 70 East Quincy St. for a fire on the first floor. Upon arrival the fire was pinpointed to a closet in a downstairs bedroom and firefighters were quick to snuff it out. However, smoke filled the house and it is now unlivable.
"That's where the majority of the fire was contained," Meranti said. "It was knocked down fairly quick but we spent a lot of time ventilating it. It's a large house and the smoke went throughout."
The fire was detected by owner Michael Perras after the smoke had woke him up. The house did have working fire alarms but Perras discovered it first and got his wife, daughter and two pets outside. He then ran back into the single family home to get the phone to call 911.
Meranti said the fire was likely smoldering for a while and when Perras opened the closet door, that kicked up the flames.
"I smelled it. It woke me up... I grabbed the kid and the dogs and got out," Perras said. "That black [smoke] came quick."
While Meranti said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, Perras said he thinks it may have been caused by a lightbulb. The closet is in the room of his oldest daughter, who was not home at the time.
The home is insured and an adjuster is expected to arrive soon. Perras' wife, Jane, said she is currently searching for a place to stay temporarily that is dog friendly.
"We're going to try and keep our routine up as much as possible," Jane Perras said, referring to keeping her 8-year-old in camp and getting through the holiday. "We're alive and we can replace what's lost."
Meranti said most of the personal items were damaged by the smoke.
Firefighters had the house on fire watch throughout the morning and were still on the scene at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday investigating the cause.
"It's not livable right now because of the smoke damage," Meranti said.
Michael Perras said the family purchased the home about two years ago.
