Massive Fire Devastates Olympia Place
Seven firefighters responded to a fire at an unoccupied construction site on Olympia Drive in Amherst. The blaze has since spread to the Olympia Place apartment complex and continues to burn.
Emergency Declaration and Water Conservation
The town of Amherst declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing fires. Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential use, as more than one million gallons have already been used to combat the fire.
"It may take several days for water levels to recover," according to the press release announcing the emergency.
Damage and Response Efforts
The building at 57 Olympia Drive, known as Olympia Place, has been declared a total loss and is in the process of being demolished. Fire crews cannot safely enter the structure due to ongoing flames and instability.
"Demolition crews are on site tearing down the building so that fire crews can reach the areas that are still burning."
Notes from Amherst Police Department
A press release at 7:30 p.m. confirmed that parts of the building remain ablaze and that safety concerns prevent firefighters from entering the site directly.
Editor’s Note
This information is based on direct observations and verified sources. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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Author's summary: A large fire at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst has caused a total loss of the building and led to a state of emergency with significant water usage for firefighting efforts.