Town of Amherst Declares State of Emergency Amid Major Fire
The town of Amherst has declared a state of emergency as firefighters work to control a blaze that started Friday night in a housing complex. The fire has displaced about 232 residents, most of whom are students from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Firefighting Efforts and Water Usage
According to Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman, firefighting efforts have already used over one million gallons of water. On Saturday evening, he urged residents to stop all nonessential water use to help preserve the water supply for firefighting.
“It will take ‘some days’ to replenish the town’s water supply,” the official town statement said.
Impact on the Community
The declaration of a state of emergency allows the town, displaced residents, and property owners to access state and federal relief funds to aid recovery.
“Today has been a difficult day for our community, and we know there are still more challenges ahead,” said Patricia Cardoso-Erase, associate vice chancellor and dean of students. “We recognize that the impact of this fire will continue to unfold over the coming days and weeks.”
Fire Origin and Initial Report
The fire was first reported just after 8 p.m. Friday at 57 Olympia Drive, also called Olympia Place, according to a letter from UMass Amherst to the campus community.
The situation remains critical as the town works to support affected residents and manage resource shortages caused by the disaster.
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