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A space heater and some spilled gasoline caused a fire at a Dalton home.

Dalton Fire Makes Quick Work of Gasoline Fire

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — Firefighters made quick work of a fire that started in a garage on Main Street on Thursday at about 4:30 p.m. 
 
Fire Chief Chris Cachat said the occupant was working on some motorcycles and "gasoline spilled, and there was a space heater that ignited."
 
It was going to be ruled as accidental, he said. 
 
All the occupants were accounted for and one cat was rescued. He said there should be no problem with the occupants getting back into the house once the electrical inspector clears the 
 
"The crews did a great job," the chief said, adding the late afternoon provided for more hands. "Perfect time of day to have something like this happen. We were able to get in here, get it knocked down."
 
The Fire Department was supported by police, Hinsdale, Windsor and Pittsfield fire departments, County Ambulance, the Water Department and Eversource.
 
Main Street was closed from Weston to Depot street for about an hour and half. 
 
"Just things happen. But everybody's accounted for, everybody's healthy," said Cachat. "We're all going home."
 

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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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