Amherst Declares State of Emergency After Apartment Fire
A large fire broke out Friday night at the Olympia Place apartment complex on Olympia Drive in Amherst, displacing over 200 residents. The blaze began around 8:19 p.m. in a building under construction and quickly spread to nearby buildings.
Fire and Response Details
- The fire involved multiple explosions, likely caused by fuel tanks at the construction site.
- A crane collapsed amid the flames, complicating firefighting efforts.
- Poor water pressure hindered initial firefighting, leading to the involvement of several neighboring fire departments.
Impact and Emergency Declaration
Despite the scale of the fire, there were no reported injuries. However, 232 residents were forced to leave their homes due to displacement.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman stated, "We urge residents to stop all non-essential water use to help conserve water for firefighting operations."
More than one million gallons of water have been used to control the fire, and officials anticipate it will take days to replenish local water supplies.
Current Status
The fire remains active but is under control. Fire crews will continue working through the night to fully extinguish the blaze and secure the area.
Amherst’s emergency response highlights challenges in managing large fires in complex residential areas, stressing the importance of resource conservation during crises.