Pittsfield Firefighters Extinguish Two Fires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters responded to two structure fires Saturday, Jan. 22 within the same hour.
 
Firefighters first responded to a call on 38 Beacon Ave to check a previous fire around 8 pm.
 
Firefighters were brought into the basement by the homeowner where they encountered smoldering wood joists, due to someone trying to thaw frozen pipes earlier that day.
 
Engine 5 requested a full assignment which included a command vehicle, 3 engines, and a Ladder Co.
 
It was determined that the fire had traveled up the interior wall into the attic of the home. It took firefighters approximately 45 minutes to bring the fire under control.
 
The cause was determined to be accidental.
 
The home suffered smoke, fire, and water damage but remained habitable. There were no injuries.
 
At 8:30 pm firefighters were dispatched to a 16 Harold St. kitchen fire. Upon arrival crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the first floor of the two-story home.
 
Dalton and Lenox Fire Departments were called because other Pittsfield apparatus were committed to the Beacon Street fire.
 
It took crews 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. The fire spread up an interior wall into the attic.
 
The home suffered water, fire, and smoke damage. The two occupants found alternative housing for the night.
 
The cause was deemed accidental due to unattended cooking.
 
There were no injuries.
 

Tags: structure fire,   

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BCC Celebrates This Year's 40 Under Forty Recipients

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The awards were presented by Barbara Hochberg, right, vice president of the Berkshire Community College Foundation. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than 300 community members attended the 40 Under Forty Awards celebration on Thursday, recognizing individuals who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those in the Berkshires. 
 
Berkshire Community College received several hundred nominations this year and narrowed it down to 40 unsung heroes who have achieved many accomplishments, college President Ellen Kennedy said. 
 
Kennedy said it was wonderful to see previous winners nominating the next generation. 
 
"They sort of understand the importance of what this recognition can symbolize to people and the inspiration it can provide to people to be connected and committed to what's happening in the Berkshires," she said. "So it's been exciting to see it evolve that way."
 
The event is a moment to both pause but also go forward, Kennedy said afterward.
 
"So pause and really celebrate all of this talent and interest and these really creative, innovative, hard working, committed individuals, but it's also a moment to push forward on the next round of entrepreneurial innovation that can happen in the Berkshires. And a lot of these people bring that spirit to that," she said. 
 
The winners come from diverse backgrounds, including longtime residents with deep roots in the Berkshires as well as newcomers who have recently moved to the area and are already making a mark, Kennedy said. 
 
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