Large Fire Displaces Over 200 in Amherst
In Amherst, Massachusetts, a significant fire on Friday night has displaced more than 200 residents. The blaze erupted in an apartment complex that serves as off-campus housing for many University of Massachusetts students.
Fire Details and Impact
Firefighters from across western Massachusetts remain at the scene of a three-alarm fire that destroyed a building near the UMass campus at 57 Olympia Drive. The fire also consumed a nearby building under construction on Olympia Drive.
Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported despite the scale of the fire. The apartment complex, Olympia Place, is a private off-campus housing facility accommodating a large number of students.
Fire Department Statement
"Crews worked tirelessly through the night — with help from our mutual aid partners — to stop the spread and protect lives," the Amherst Fire Department said in a social media post.
They also described the fire as "one of the largest fires our community has seen."
Challenges Faced During Firefighting
"One four story building that was under construction has collapsed and other buildings nearby are still burning, and have partially collapsed. The fire attack has been hampered by poor water pressure in the area," stated an early Saturday morning press release.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by authorities.
Summary: A major fire in Amherst displaced over 200 people from student housing without reported injuries, posing challenges due to poor water pressure and causing significant property destruction.