Large Fire in Amherst Displaces Over 200 People, Many UMass Students Affected
In Amherst, Massachusetts, a major fire broke out Friday night in an apartment complex that serves as off-campus housing for many University of Massachusetts students. The fire, which escalated to three alarms, destroyed the building and displaced more than 200 residents.
Details of the Fire Incident
The blaze erupted near the UMass campus at 57 Olympia Drive, where the apartment complex known as Olympia Place was severely damaged. A nearby building under construction was also destroyed in the fire.
Amherst Fire Department described the event as "one of the largest fires our community has seen."
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
“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.”
Firefighters from western Massachusetts collaborated through the night, facing difficulties due to low water pressure.
“Crews worked tirelessly through the night — with help from our mutual aid partners — to stop the spread and protect lives,”said the Amherst Fire Department in a social media statement.
Impact and Investigation
- More than 200 people displaced.
- No injuries reported according to town and school officials.
- The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Location
The fire occurred at Olympia Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts.
Author’s summary: A devastating fire in Amherst displaced over 200 residents, heavily impacting UMass student housing, with emergency crews battling challenges to contain the large blaze.