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Pittsfield Firefighters Douse Structure, Kitchen Fires Thursday
Firefighters extinguish a structure fire on McArthurStreet. The cause was not known late Thursday.
The first was at 6:30 a.m. at 73 McArthur St. According to Deputy Chief Daniel Garner, the Fire Department found fire in the attic and roof on arrival. E-5 crew stretched a 1 3/4-inch hand line and attacked main body of fire. E-1 crew stretched a 2-inch backup hose line. E-3 crew provided water supply and searched the building for occupants. Truck-2 ventilated the roof and salvage/overhaul. Fire was contained to the attic and roof of the single-family residence.
The building's two occupants were displaced but able to find assistance and the Red Cross will assist if needed. The roof and attic space sustained severe fire damage and there was moderate water damage throughout the building. The cause is unknown at at this time and the damage estimate is $25,000.
The second was an oven fire at 38 Grove St. at around 8 p.m. Engine 2, Engine 3, Truck 2, Engine 5, and Car 2 responded. Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Matthew Noyes said firefighters found light smoke coming from the front door of the 2 1/2-story, wood frame, two-family home.
The occupant of the first-floor apartment stated that there was a fire in the kitchen in the rear of the apartment and that everyone was out of the building. Moderate smoke was found in the kitchen as well as fire underneath and behind the gas-fired range extending onto the cabinets and range hood above.
The oven was pulled away from the wall and the fire extinguished with a 20-pound dry chemical extinguisher. Engine 3 went to the basement and found embers smoldering on the sill plate below the oven. This was extinguished with a 2 1/2-gallon water can. The gas supply to the range was shut off in the basement. The electric was also shut off to the first-floor apartment at the master disconnect to that apartment located in the basement.
Truck 2 set up positive pressure ventilation and performed overhaul of the wall behind the oven where no fire extension was found. Engine 5 staged for water supply. Car 2 also requested a fire investigator and the Red Cross responded to provide assistance to the occupants of the first-floor apartment who were displaced. The occupant of the second-floor apartment (40 Grove St.) was able to remain as there was still electrical power to the apartment and no apparent hazards.
The building suffered minor fire heat and water damage and the cause is considered accidental.
