Massive Fire in Amherst Displaces 230 Residents
A large fire broke out Friday night at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst, Massachusetts, just off the UMass campus, forcing 230 people to evacuate. Firefighters from several nearby communities responded to contain the blaze.
According to the Amherst Fire Department, the fire began around 8:19 p.m. in a building under construction and quickly spread to adjacent structures. Flames and smoke were visible from several miles away, and video footage captured intense scenes of the blaze lighting up the night sky.
“No injuries have been reported, but about 230 residents have been displaced,” the Amherst Fire Department stated.
The university reported that the fire started at a construction site next to the apartment complex, which primarily houses students. The building under construction later collapsed, along with parts of nearby structures. A crane at the site also fell amid the flames, and several explosions likely linked to construction fuel tanks were heard.
By Saturday morning, firefighters continued battling the remnants of the fire. The town of Amherst, UMass officials, local aid organizations, and the property management company collaborated to provide shelter and assistance to affected residents.
Summary
A major fire at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst displaced hundreds but caused no injuries, prompting a large emergency response and community relief effort.