Latest news with #PittsfieldFireDepartment
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Safety tips for lithium-ion batteries after Pittsfield fire
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A large fire was put out at a homeless shelter in Pittsfield Wednesday night. Pittsfield police warn residents of retired officer impersonation scheme The Pittsfield Fire Department states that at 7:59 p.m. on Wednesday, crews were sent to 360 West Housatonic Street, Soldier On, for a reported building fire. When crews arrived, a large, open-air shed was fully on fire. The fire was put out within 30 minutes. The main Soldier On building nearby was damaged on the roof and some of the windows. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered E-Bike. The bike was found charging when it started a 'thermal runaway' of one or more Li-ion fuel cells. The fire then spread to the entire shed. No injuries were reported. Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many household items such as cell phones, laptops and tablets, watches, e-bikes, vape devices, electric vehicles, power tools, and many children's toys. These types of batteries are known for melting, catching fire, and even exploding sometimes. Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and laptops to scooters and electric vehicles, and they pack a lot of power into a small device. These products should be unplugged after they are finished charging to prevent a fire or explosion. To properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries, they can be brought to a household hazardous waste collection site or a battery recycling center such as Staples, Home Depot, and Lowe's. To find a location near you, visit Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Always follow the manufacturer's instructions Only use the battery and charging cord that is designed for the device Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or a couch Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged Keep batteries at room temperature when possible Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C). Do not leave them in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or freezing temperatures Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire Store scooters and e-bikes outdoors if possible. If you must store them indoors, keep them away from doors, windows, and stairways Have working smoke alarms and a home escape plan that includes two ways out WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pittsfield crews put out two-alarm fire at apartment building
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Fire crews worked to put out a two-alarm fire on First Street in Pittsfield on Tuesday. Pittsfield event commemorates 250 years since Fort Ticonderoga plan The Pittsfield Fire Department states that crews were sent to 233-235 First Street for a report of a possible building fire. When crews arrived, heavy fire and smoke was seen coming from the 235 side of the five-apartment building. The fire was upgraded to a second alarm as mutual aid was requested. It was unknown if the building was occupied at the time of the fire. It took crews one hour to put out the fire. No injuries were reported, and Eversource and Berkshire Gas were called to secure utilities to the home. The cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated at this time by the Pittsfield Fire Department's Fire Investigation Unit and the State Fire Marshall's Office. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Retired Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski passed away battling 'job-related cancer'
GRANBY, Mass. (WWLP) – Retired Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski died Tuesday morning, the department announced. Czerwinski was a firefighter in Pittsfield for 32 years and served as their department's chief for nine of them before retiring in 2019, The Berkshire Eagle reported. He then became the interim chief for the Granby Fire Department during the coronavirus pandemic in November of 2020. High winds, warm temperatures increase risk of brush fires 'All of us at the Granby Fire Department had the honor of working for Chief Czcerwinski in the early 2020s. He made a lasting impact on the department and all of our members that will not be forgotten,' the Granby Fire Department stated. The Pittsfield Fire Department said Chief Czerwinski passed after battling 'job-related cancer.' 'Those that are familiar with Chief Czerwinski know just how integral he was not only to the City of Pittsfield Fire Department but also to surrounding communities. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers,' the Pittsfield Fire Department stated. During a leadership shake-up involving the Dalton Fire Department, Czerwinski agreed to serve as their acting fire chief while the search for a replacement was conducted in July of 2023. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made at this time. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Fire on John Street in Pittsfield leaves four without a home
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Four people are now without a home after a fire on John Street in Pittsfield Monday night. Crews work to put out house fire on Phoenix Street in Springfield The Pittsfield Fire Department states that crews were sent to 24-26 John Street for a reported building fire. When crews arrived, no fire was seen, however occupants told the fire crews that the fire was in a first-floor apartment on the 24 John Street side of the building. Heavy, black smoke was seen coming from the second floor, causing additional crews to be called in to help put out the fire. The fire was under control after 40 minutes, and no injuries were reported. Four people have been left without a home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Pittsfield Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit, Pittsfield Police Department Investigation Unit, and investigators from the State Fire Marshalls Office. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man struck and killed by train in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A man was struck and killed by a train in Pittsfield Wednesday evening. Pittsfield schools end hold-in-passing after online threat, no danger found The Pittsfield Police Department states that at approximately 6:22 p.m. on Wednesday, officers along with the Pittsfield Fire Department and members of the Action Ambulance were sent to the railroad tracks in the area of the 200 block of West Street for a report of a pedestrian hit by a westbound freight train. Two men were seen going onto the tracks just east of where the incident took place and began walking westbound on the tracks. The train operator saw the men on the tracks as he was approaching and tried to warn them by activating the train's horn. One of the men was able to avoid being hit, however, the other man got struck by the train. The man was taken to Baystate Medical Center where he died due to his injuries. The first man who avoided being hit left the area before the emergency response arrived and has not been identified. The identity of the man who died has not yet been released. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
