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Pittsfield, Mass (WRGB) — A fast-moving fire tore through the first floor of a two-family home on Worthington Place in Pittsfield, forcing multiple families out and killing two cats, but firefighters say quick action by the occupants and a rapid response helped prevent even worse damage.

The Pittsfield Fire Department responded at 4:28 p.m. on Nov. 9 to a home on Worthington Place for a reported fire. Four engine companies, a ladder company and a deputy chief were dispatched.

Engine 3, Truck 2 and Car 2 arrived within 60 seconds of leaving their station and reported smoke showing from the first and second floors of the three-story, wood-frame residence. Pittsfield police accounted for all occupants by the time firefighters arrived.

Engine 3 began an aggressive attack on the first floor of the right-side residence and conducted a primary search. The truck company laddered the building. Engine 1 helped secure a water supply and checked for fire extension in the left-side residence. Engine 5 provided a backup line and assisted with extinguishment and searches of the remainder of the right-side residence. Engine 6 was assigned as the rapid intervention team. Action Ambulance responded to provide EMS coverage during the incident.

Firefighters knocked down the main body of fire on the first floor within a few minutes, allowing crews to check the rest of the residence and complete searches. Remaining fire and hot spots were considered under control within 30 minutes.

Three cats were found in the fire, with one alive and two dead.

Several off-duty Pittsfield Fire Department members were called back to staff the command position and a truck company at headquarters with Engine 2. Dalton Fire was placed on standby in its station with an engine company.

Fire officials credited the occupants of the fire residence with calling 911 immediately, helping speed the response from stations on Columbus Avenue and West Housatonic Street and limiting damage to the home. The occupants were upstairs when the fire started and were able to get downstairs, past the fire and out the front door safely. No injuries were reported.

Three adults, three children, two dogs and a cat were displaced from the two residences. The Red Cross responded to help with housing and necessities.

No damage estimate was available. The right-side residence sustained severe fire and water damage, while the left-side residence suffered smoke damage. Utilities were disconnected outside the building.

No injuries were reported among Pittsfield Fire Department personnel. The fire remains under investigation by the department’s fire investigation unit and is believed to be unintentional, originating in the first-floor kitchen area.

Two cats die in Pittsfield fire

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