Pittsfield Firefighters Contain Structure Fire on Dawes Ave.

09:02AM / Tuesday, February 04, 2025Print 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,

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ServiceNet Hopes to Open Pittsfield Warming Center in Nov.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A warming center is again planned in the First United Methodist Church for the cold months.

During last week's Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting, Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, reported that they hope to begin operating the nighttime center in mid-November.

It would operate from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the church, which abuts The Pearl shelter. Forbush said the warming center would be the same program as in the past.

"Again it's a warming center, so there's no cots or beds, but it is certainly a place to come in, and we'll have a hot coffee or cocoa ready for folks," she explained.

"It will be a place to be inside and warm."

This year, ServiceNet hopes to secure full funding from the state so the warming center can open on Sundays at 5 p.m. In years past, they found that Sunday is the most challenging day for unhoused individuals because many community spaces aren't open.

The First Housing Resource Center, managed by Hearthway, opened earlier this year as a low-barrier option for people to rest and access amenities. It is open seven days a week, and Forbush said if people could come to the warming center on Sundays at 5, there would be a fuller day of coverage.

"It does still leave a little gap for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as spaces like the library close at five, but we know that Sundays were something that people were looking for," she said.

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