Crews battle massive fire in Amherst

Crews Battle Massive Fire in Amherst

On Friday evening, several fire departments across Amherst responded to a large blaze on Olympia Drive. The fire displaced approximately 230 people, most of them University of Massachusetts Amherst students.

The fire quickly tore through a building under construction and spread to nearby structures. Witnesses on the scene described intense flames and multiple explosions from fuel tanks at the site, which led to the collapse of a construction crane.

University Response

“Olympia Place residents have immediate access to all dining commons at no cost, and an on-campus emergency resource center will be opened at noon today to centralize critical student needs including housing, medication, clothing, academic accommodations, counseling, and more. Student residents of Olympia Place will be contacted directly this morning with the location of the emergency resource center; we ask that only residents of Olympia Place use this space out of respect for the needs of those most directly affected.”
— Emily Gest, UMass Amherst spokesperson

Emergency crews remained on-site through the night to contain the flames and assess structural safety in the surrounding area.

Community Impact

230 residents displaced, primarily university students
Multiple buildings damaged or destroyed
Emergency relief center established by UMass Amherst

Author’s Summary: A massive blaze on Olympia Drive in Amherst displaced hundreds of students, spurring immediate university and emergency responses to provide shelter and aid.

Western Mass News — 2025-11-08