image description

Pittsfield Firefighters Contain Structure Fire on Dawes Ave.

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A structure fire at 74 Dawes Ave. remains under investigation.
 
Firefighters responded to a structure fire at 74 Dawes Ave. on Feb. 3 at approximately 5:20 PM, where flames had spread up the exterior of the building into the attic. 
 
Crews from multiple engines worked to contain the fire, with Engine 6 deploying the initial handline and additional units conducting searches, establishing water supply, and checking for extension.
 
Due to deteriorating interior conditions, a second alarm was struck, bringing additional manpower. The fire was brought under control in about 60 minutes, with overhaul and extinguishment efforts continuing for another 90 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation by the Pittsfield Fire Department's Fire Investigation Unit. An engine company remains on-site overnight for monitoring.

Tags: structure fire,   

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

Lanesborough Facing Over 6% Budget Increase

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget is a 6.27 percent increase from this year.
 
On Monday, Town Administrator Gina Dario presented a $12,669,203 operating budget to the Select Board, noting that it is subject to minor changes before the annual town meeting on June 10.
 
Looking at the current local and national environment, she recognized "a lot of surprises," but didn't want that to reflect in the town's spending.
 
"We are dealing with a bit of the unknown, but within that, we really try to operate with as much fiscal responsibility and with as much fiscal diligence as we can," Dario explained.
 
"… We are very much trying to be accountable and make sure that we are planning for the future with the resources that we have so that we can be working and looking ahead for the benefit of the community, so that the residents know that what we are doing for the community is very responsible."
 
School district assessment fees and health insurance are major budget drivers.
 
The Mount Greylock Regional School District assessment increased by 6.82 percent, but McCann Technical School's assessment decreased by 25.07 percent. This represents a $535,212 net increase in education costs, compared to the $237,129 increase in FY25, and accounts for half of the 6.27 percent increase to the operating budget.
  
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories