Amherst Declares State of Emergency After Large Fire Displaces Hundreds
Amherst’s town manager declared a State of Emergency following a massive fire on Friday night that forced over 200 people to evacuate their homes. The fire began in an under-construction apartment building and spread to multiple nearby structures.
Fire Incident Details
The fire started around 8:15 p.m. at the Olympia Place apartment complex on Olympia Drive, based on multiple 911 calls received by the Amherst Fire Department. Responding units arrived to find the building fully engulfed and flames spreading to adjacent buildings.
- Several explosions occurred, likely caused by fuel tanks at the construction site.
- A construction crane collapsed during the fire.
- One building involved has partially collapsed.
- No injuries have been reported.
Water Usage and Conservation
Firefighting efforts have consumed over one million gallons of water so far. Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman urged residents to halt all non-essential water use to help preserve water supplies for the response.
"It will take some days to recover the Town’s water levels," Paul Bockelman said in a statement.
State of Emergency Purpose
Declaring a State of Emergency enables Amherst to access potential emergency state or federal funds to support displaced residents, property owners, and the town’s recovery efforts.
Summary
The large fire at Olympia Place caused extensive damage, displaced hundreds, and led to emergency measures to aid firefighting and recovery in Amherst.
Author’s summary: Amherst’s swift declaration of emergency highlights urgent disaster response, protecting residents and enabling critical resource support amid extensive fire damage.