Amherst Declares State of Emergency After Large Fire Displaces Hundreds
The town manager of Amherst, Massachusetts, declared a State of Emergency following a massive fire on Friday night that displaced over 200 residents. The fire began at an under-construction apartment building and quickly spread to neighboring structures.
Fire Incident Details
The blaze at the Olympia Place apartment complex on Olympia Drive was reported around 8:15 p.m. after multiple 911 calls. Firefighters from several communities responded and found the building completely engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to adjacent buildings.
- Multiple explosions occurred during the fire, likely caused by fuel tanks at the construction site.
- A construction crane collapsed during the incident.
- One of the affected buildings has partially collapsed.
- No injuries have been reported so far.
Water Conservation Efforts
Residents are urged to refrain from any non-essential water use to help firefighters. Over one million gallons of water have already been used to combat the fire, and it will take several days for the town’s water supply to return to normal levels.
"Over one million gallons of water have been used so far in these efforts, and it will take some days to recover the Town’s water levels," said Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman.
State of Emergency Implications
Declaring the State of Emergency enables Amherst to access potential emergency state or federal funds to assist displaced residents, property owners, and the town itself.
"The State of Emergency will ensure the Town will have access to any emergency state or Federal funds that may be available to the displaced residents, property owner, and Town," Bockelman added.
The Amherst Fire Department continues to monitor the situation as recovery efforts proceed.
Summary: Amherst's swift declaration of a State of Emergency after a destructive apartment complex fire aids urgent water conservation and unlocks critical support for over 200 displaced residents and damaged properties.