Two Buildings at Olympia Place Deemed Total Loss Following Weekend Fire
A fire at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst, which began on the night of Friday, November 7, was reported to be under control by Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. However, flames continued in parts of the buildings located at #47 and #57 Olympia Drive.
Due to structural instability, fire crews could not enter the buildings and worked to extinguish the fire from outside. Demolition crews were present, tearing down sections to allow firefighters access to extinguish remaining flames.
Mutual aid units, including a state task force, were released by 4 p.m. on Saturday, though Amherst Fire crews remained assisted by a ladder truck from Greenfield.
The demolition and extinguishment efforts are expected to finish by Sunday morning. Fire crews will stay on site until the property is secured with fencing by the owners.
Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren said the buildings were unstable, preventing interior firefighting efforts, and emphasized ongoing exterior firefighting and demolition work.
The investigation into the fire involves the State Fire Marshal’s office, Amherst Fire Department, and Amherst Police Department.
Summary: Two apartment buildings at Olympia Place suffered total loss due to a weekend fire, with ongoing demolition and firefighting efforts ensuring site safety and continued investigation.