PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Dalton Avenue home was heavily damaged by fire on Friday night.
Multiple people driving by the structure at 206 Dalton called 911 report heavy flames coming from the front of the building, according to Deputy Fire Chief Neil Myers.
Firefighters responded at about 10:39 p.m. with four engine companies and a ladder company. Engine 2 found the front of the two-story residence fully involved with flame and spreading into the front yard. Shortly thereafter E-2 reported the lone occupant of the home had safely evacuated uninjured.
E-2 quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire that was quickly spreading inside the front windows and up to the roof line. E-3 provided a hydrant line to E-2 just as they were running out of water.
A backup hoseline was stretched to the building to assist with primary searches throughout all floors. The fire was deemed under control within 15 minutes and units remained on scene for 90 minutes overhauling the fire damaged areas and ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.
A cat was initially believed to have perished in the blaze but was found alive overnight by the fire watch crew on scene.
The home suffered extensive fire to the front side and into the first floor with a large portion of the home only suffering smoke damage.
A combination of the quick recognition and 911 call by passers-by, the 30-second response time from E-2 station to the fire and the hard work of all on duty crews certainly saved this home from further damage, said Myers.
The resident was able to find alternate living arrangements.
Police assisted in closing the eastbound lane of Dalton Avenue for the duration of the incident, County Ambulance provided EMS standby and Lenox Fire provided city coverage with its ladder truck.
The Fire Investigation Unit is currently investigating the cause/origin of the blaze.
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis.
Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report.
During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report.
"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions. As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday.
"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements."
He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report.
"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote.
Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.
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