Seven firefighters responded to a building fire at an unoccupied construction zone on Olympia Drive in Amherst. The fire has spread and is now affecting the Olympia Place apartment complex, which continues to burn.
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The town of Amherst has declared a state of emergency in response to the fires on Olympia Drive. Residents are urged to conserve water and avoid non-essential usage, as over one million gallons have been consumed fighting the blaze.
"Over one million gallons of water have been used" fighting the fires.
Officials warn it may take several days for water levels to stabilize.
The building at 57 Olympia Drive, known as Olympia Place, has been declared a total loss and is currently being demolished.
"The building at 57 Olympia Drive, also known as Olympia Place, is deemed a total loss and is being demolished."
A 7:30 p.m. press release from the Amherst Police Department (APD) noted that parts of the building are still burning, and the structure is too unstable for fire crews to enter safely.
"Demolition crews are on site tearing down the building so that fire crews can reach the areas that are still burning."
Summary: A devastating fire at Olympia Place has led Amherst to declare a state of emergency, with water supplies heavily strained and the apartment complex undergoing demolition to control the blaze.