image description
image description
A fire at an apartment building on State Road seriously injured an occupant.
image description

North Adams Man Seriously Injured in State Road Fire

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
Print Story | Email Story

The police Detective Bureau is investigating the fire, described by some as an 'explosion.' 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A city man was seriously injured in what was described as an "explosion" in his State Road apartment. 
 
The cause is unknown at this time and the incident is under investigation by North Adams Police and Fire and the State Fire Marshal's Office. 
 
Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre said the individual was pulled out through the back window of a bedroom in his first-floor apartment with "significant burns to the lower extremities."
 
"He's been taken to the appropriate facility but at this time, we don't have any further information," the chief said. 
 
The victim was reportedly taken to another hospital by medical helicopter from Berkshire Medical Center's North Adams campus. 
 
The incident was reported as a structure fire at about 2:26 p.m. Lefebvre said there was a small amount of fire that was quickly snuffed when firefighters arrived. 
 
The building at 1054 State Road has five apartments and is owned by David Chenail Sr. and Elaine M Chenail Trustees, according to city records. 
 
The fire took place in the back of the apartment on the eastern side of the structure and was tightly contained to that area. 
 
Lefebvre said there was no structural damage but there is heat and smoke damage that would prohibit the other tenants from staying in the building at least tonight. 
 
"But it's definitely cleanable ... very, very little damage to the structure," he said. 
 
State Road was closed from the line with Williamstown to Ashton Avenue for more than an hour because of fire hoses across the road. In addition to fire and police, Northern Berkshire EMS responded with three units. 
 

Tags: fire,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Public Library Announces Updated Early Literacy Programs for Families

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Youth Services Department of the North Adams Public Library has announced updates to its weekly early literacy programs.
 
Beginning Tuesday, April 15, "Wigglers & Crawlers" will be held for families with children aged 0-2 years. This program will be led by Youth Services Library Assistant, Ms. Nancy, and will take place weekly at 10:30 AM.
 
According to the announcement, "The Wigglers & Crawlers program is ideal for babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years old. Caregivers are encouraged to bring a small blanket, a favorite toy, and be ready for a cozy, joyful experience. Participants can expect gentle stories & rhymes, songs & movement, interactive play and bonding time. This program is replacing the current Tuesday “Toddler Time” program."
 
On Wednesday, April 16, "Junior Story Time" will be held for families with children aged 2-5 years. This program will be led by Youth Services Librarian, Ms. Holly, and will also take place weekly at 10:30 AM.
 
The announcement states, "Junior Story Time is ideal for children 2 to 5 years old. Ms. Holly will read engaging stories to captivate their young imaginations, sing songs, play games and create a craft based on the day's story to take home. This program will intentionally build language development, fine and gross motor skills, encourage critical thinking, strengthen early literacy skills to build a solid foundation and promote healthy social skills while preparing children for the pre-k and kindergarten setting. This program is replacing the current Wednesday 'Story Time' program."
 
The library is reportedly collaborating with the North Adams Public School district to align program goals with the school curriculum for school readiness skills.
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories