Media Releases

Amherst firefighters battle blaze at 35 Elmwood Dr.

Amherst firefighters fought a fire on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, that heavily damaged a home at 35 Elmwood Drive.

“Upon crews arriving on the scene, there was visible fire and smoke coming from the structure,” Fire Chief Greg Jones said. “We also learned that all occupants were out of the building and safe.

“No one was physically hurt, but as in any fire situation, people are very upset.”

Jones said the Red Cross was called in order to assist the building’s occupants.

The alarm was turned in at 11:19 a.m.

“Every unit in the department responded,” the chief said. “No. 1 crew was first on the scene and other firefighters arrived shortly thereafter. We got water on it very quickly.”

Firefighters fought the fire from both the exterior and interior of the building. They also used foam to help douse the blaze. They appeared to have the fire knocked down by about 12:28 p.m., though they remained on the scene until about 2:28 p.m.

At the height of the fire, a firefighter exited the building with a cat he had rescued.

“At this point in time, we do not know the extent of the damage or the cause of the fire,” the chief said. “We will be starting an investigation into the fire today.”

Elmwood Drive was closed between Fletcher Drive and Abbey Road while firefighters battled the blaze. It was reopened when firefighters departed the scene.