Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire
A fire broke out on Friday night, November 7, at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst. Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren reported that the fire was brought under control by 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, although some areas of the buildings at #47 and #57 Olympia Drive continued to burn.
Due to instability, fire crews were unable to enter the buildings and worked from the outside to extinguish the flames. Demolition crews were on site to tear down parts of the structures, allowing firefighters to access remaining hot spots.
The state task force and mutual aid units were released by 4 p.m. on Saturday. Amherst Fire crews continued to operate on scene, supported by a ladder truck from Greenfield. Demolition and extinguishment were expected to finish by Sunday morning. Crews will remain until the site is secured with a fence by the property owners.
“Due to the building being unstable, fire crews are not able to enter the building, and continued to work to extinguish the fire from the exterior,” Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren said.
The fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshall’s office, Amherst Fire Department, and Amherst Police Department.
Summary: A major fire at Olympia Place apartments in Amherst rendered two buildings a total loss, with demolition and firefighting efforts continuing into Sunday while an investigation proceeds.