Large Fire in Amherst Displaces Over 200 People
More than 200 individuals were forced to leave their homes after a fire broke out Friday night in an apartment complex near the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. This complex served as off-campus housing for many UMass students.
Details of the Fire
The blaze, classified as a three-alarm fire, destroyed a building located at 57 Olympia Drive, as well as a building under construction nearby. The Olympia Place complex housed a significant number of students.
Amherst Fire Department described the incident as “one of the largest fires our community has seen.”
“One four-story building that was under construction has collapsed and other buildings nearby are still burning, and have partially collapsed. The fire attack has been hampered by poor water pressure in the area.” — Amherst Fire Department press release
Response and Investigation
Firefighters from various departments across western Massachusetts worked through the night, aided by mutual aid partners, to control the fire and protect residents.
“Crews worked tirelessly through the night — with help from our mutual aid partners — to stop the spread and protect lives.” — Amherst Fire Department
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Thankfully, town and school officials confirmed no injuries have been reported.
Location and Impact
- Fire occurred near UMass Amherst campus.
- Affected apartment complex provided off-campus housing to many students.
- Significant structural damage including the collapse of a building under construction.
- Over 200 residents displaced but no injuries.
Summary: A major fire in Amherst devastated student housing near UMass, displacing over 200 people and destroying multiple buildings, with no reported injuries as firefighters battled poor water pressure to contain the blaze.
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