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A section of South Street was blocked on Tuesday afternoon as firefighters dealt with an electrical fire.

Dalton Fire Extinguishes Electrical Fire

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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No one was injured in the fire, which was quickly extinguished by firefighters. 
DALTON, Mass. — Several fire companies were called to 201 South St. on Tuesday afternoon for a report of a structure fire. 
 
The occupants were able to flee the single-family home and firefighters quickly doused what turned out to be an electrical fire. 
 
The call came in at about 1:20 p.m. for a structure fire. Fire Chief James Peltier said there was smoke coming from the front entrance and a fire on the three-season porch. 
 
Cheshire sent its rapid intervention team, Hinsdale firefighters responded for standby and Lanesborough covered the fire station. County Ambulance also responded and police shut down the road for a time. It was reopened about 3 p.m.
 
"We had a few other towns mutual aid to help us out because it's the daytime and we don't always have enough help," Peltier said. 
 
He said the homeowners had thrown water on the fire and the smoke worsened. The firefighters quickly went into action to get the residents out of the house and away from the smoke. 
 
"We were able to extinguish the fire relatively quickly," the chief said. "They had thrown some water on it. With the amount of smoke in the house, we had to get them out quickly because we don't want to hang around."
 
 Firefighters stopped the progression of the fire, ripped apart some of the burnt material to confirm the absence of fire, and monitored the house for carbon monoxide.

Tags: electrical,   

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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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