Pittsfield Firefighters Contain Structure Fire on Holmes Road

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters battled a structure fire on Holmes Road, facing challenges when a frozen hydrant temporarily delayed their efforts to extinguish the blaze in an occupied home.
 
The Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 120 Holmes Road on Jan. 20 at 4:57 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported smoke coming from the eaves of the building.
 
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered moderate smoke coming from the second-floor windows of the two-story residential structure. Due to plywood covering several windows, it was initially unclear whether the building was occupied. Crews entered the home and found heavy smoke and high heat on the second floor, with blocked hallways complicating access to the fire.
 
Efforts were briefly hampered by a frozen hydrant, but firefighters were able to secure an alternate water source. Crews used a combination of interior and exterior attacks to bring the fire under control within 15 to 20 minutes. No occupants were found inside, and the owner arrived at the scene unharmed.
 
Firefighters remained on-site for several hours to fully extinguish the fire, while Pittsfield Police assisted with traffic control. Investigators continue to examine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

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Parks Commission OKs Wahconah Park Event, Clapp Park Dugouts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Baseball dugouts are planned for Clapp Park, and in April, the community will have one last look inside the historic Wahconah Park grandstand before it is demolished. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved a "Farewell to the Grandstand at Wahconah Park" event to be held on April 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Recreation and Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer explained that the event will allow the community to see the more than 100-year-old structure before it comes down later in the spring. 

"Attendees will be able to go up to the top of the ramp to get a look into the grandstand for one last chance and quick photo op, but they can't get any further due to safety concerns," she explained. 

The property at 105 Wahconah St. has drawn attention for several years after the grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022. Planners have determined that starting from square one is the best option; a $15 million rebuild is on the table. 

There will be speeches from city officials and Baseball in the Berkshire Director Larry Moore, a slideshow with old photographs and memories shared from the community, a table with renderings of the new grandstand, a memory table, and a story booth where short interviews can be recorded. 

"Ernie the Hot Dog Guy" is also confirmed as a food vendor. 

"We're looking forward to great weather, and unfortunately, we won't be able to get everyone fully into the grandstand, but certainly we'll be able to have folks view the grandstand from the safe areas of the grandstand," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath explained. 

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