The Adams Fire Department moved a bit closer to acquiring a new aerial device to replace the 1987 Pierce.

The Prudential Committee moved forward with a recommendation to put forth a warrant and hold a special meeting to authorize the district to borrow up to $230,000 to be used for the acquisition of a new aerial device specified by the Fire Department and any modifications to the station to allow said apparatus to be safely housed in such.

The special meeting was held Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00pm at the fire department. The warrant passed. The department can now authorize the builder, Ferrara Fire Apparatus from Holden, Louisiana, to begin construction once the final specifications are approved. Specialty Vehicles, Inc. of North Attleboro, MA is the regional vendor and Bill Middlemiss was the local sales representative who worked with the department.

​It is estimated that construction will take 330 calendar days to complete with additional time for tool mounting, lettering and operator instruction.

By Jack Guerino
iBerkshires Staff

ADAMS, Mass. — Firefighters extinguished a late-morning stove fire on High Street on Sunday morning and saved two dogs.

"It went well and we were able to get it under control quickly," said Assistant Chief John Pansecchi

Adams Fire Department responded to the structure fire at 11:03 a.m. at 13 High St., where they found flames and extensive heat and smoke on the first floor. Cheshire Fire Department also responded.

Pansecchi said, in a press release, that homeowners Mark and Tracey Rivard and their two grandchildren were being assisted by the Red Cross. They were not at home at the time of the fire.

"Firefighters from both departments did an outstanding job in extinguishing the fire. No injuries were reported," he said. "Two dogs were removed from the fire, given oxygen and transported to be checked out by a veterinarian. The American Red Cross responded and provided assistance to the owners."

Once the visible fire was knocked down, firefighters opened the roof, exterior walls and interior walls upon finding fire in the walls during a second sweep through.  

Pansecchi said the state Fire Marshal's Office was contacted and State Trooper Michael Mazza helped investigate. He was assisted by Adams Fire Department personnel, North Adams Fire Director Steven Meranti and Adams Police Officer Gregory Charon. 

Investigation determined the cause of the fire to be a plastic cutting board placed on top of a stove burner that had been accidentally left on.

Adams Ambulance and North Adams Ambulance Service's rehab unit were also on the scene.