Pittsfield Apartment Fire Displaces Residents, Under Investigation

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fire at a multi-unit building at 24-26 John St in Pittsfield required a second alarm response from the Pittsfield Fire Department.

Fire crews were initially called to the scene for a reported structure fire. Car 2, arriving first, reported "nothing showing," however firefighters eventually found heavy flames in a first-floor apartment on the 24 John St side of the building.

Engine 3 stretched a handline to attack the blaze. Heavy black smoke billowing from the second floor, a second alarm was called, bringing all on-duty personnel and apparatus to the scene.

Firefighters worked for approximately 40 minutes to get the fire under control. While Engine 3 battled the main fire, other crews were busy stretching backup lines, searching the building, handling ventilation, and setting up a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

No civilians or firefighters were injured in the incident.

Eversource and Berkshire Gas were called in to secure the utilities. The American Red Cross is now assisting four adults who were displaced by the fire, providing them with housing and other necessities.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Pittsfield Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit, the Pittsfield Police Department Investigation Unit, and investigators from the State Fire Marshalls Office.


Tags: structure fire,   

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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.
  
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