Fire Displaces Over 200 at Off-Campus Housing in Amherst
A fire broke out at an off-campus apartment complex in Amherst on Friday night, affecting many residents, primarily University of Massachusetts Amherst students. As of Saturday night, parts of the building were still burning, with firefighters unable to enter safely.
Details of the Incident
The fire was reported shortly after 8 p.m. at Olympia Place, impacting several buildings in the area. According to a communication from UMass Amherst, more than 200 people were displaced but no injuries have been reported.
Fire Spread and Damage
The blaze started at a four-story building under construction at 47 Olympia Drive and rapidly spread to the adjacent 57 Olympia Drive building. The fire's intensity, combined with strong winds, worsened the situation.
- Multiple explosions occurred, likely caused by fuel tanks on the construction site.
- A construction crane collapsed during the fire.
- The building at 47 Olympia Drive completely collapsed.
- Both affected buildings are considered total losses.
Emergency Response
Amherst fire officials requested help from the state fire mobilization network to assist initial crews. Additional teams arrived from Hampshire, Hamden, and Franklin County to support firefighting efforts.
“There is no current estimate for the dollar value of the loss,” said Amherst fire officials.
Firefighting efforts were challenged by poor water pressure in the vicinity, limiting the ability to control the blaze effectively.
Summary
This major fire at an off-campus housing complex caused displacement of over 200 people, mostly students, destroyed two buildings, and continues to burn due to difficult firefighting conditions.