A devastating fire at the Olympia Place apartments in Amherst, Massachusetts, has left approximately 230 residents, primarily University of Massachusetts (UMass) students, without housing. The fire ignited late on the evening of November 3, 2023, and has been described as one of the most destructive incidents in the town’s history. Fire officials are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.
On Monday afternoon, firefighters from the Amherst Fire Department continued to douse the smoldering remains of the $18.5 million development. They utilized around 1,000 gallons of water per minute in an effort to prevent flare-ups at the scene. Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren noted that the fire began around 20:19 hours on a neighboring construction site at 47 Olympia Drive, where another residential building was under development.
Olympia Place, which opened in the fall of 2016, employed wood construction techniques that comply with state building codes. While this method is often more cost-effective, it can also render structures more susceptible to fire compared to steel construction. Chief Stromgren likened the construction of the new building to assembling a “Lego set,” indicating how quickly it was built.
As the fire spread from the construction site, it compromised the protective sheathing of Olympia Place, allowing the intense heat to penetrate the structure. “It was a massive amount of fire load burning,” Stromgren said. Once the building was fully engulfed, residents, including on-site managers, were forced to evacuate.
Firefighters initially attempted to combat the blaze from within the structure but soon found the conditions too hazardous. “As they got to the fifth floor, they weren’t getting any water pressure from the hoses,” Stromgren explained. Although the town’s water department worked to enhance water pressure, difficulties remained due to the location of the water tower.
With the situation deteriorating, the decision was made to demolish the entire building. Associated Building Wreckers from Springfield was called to the scene, where they worked until late Saturday night, hindered by smoke and ongoing hazards. Firefighters continued to manage the blaze, utilizing a tanker shuttle system to supply the necessary water.
While the building was equipped with sprinkler systems, Chief Stromgren emphasized that these systems are not designed to handle such extensive fires. The absence of firewalls and sprinklers in the attic allowed the flames to spread rapidly. The town issued a state of emergency for much of the weekend due to the extensive water use, which is estimated to have reached nearly 2 million gallons.
Fortunately, no injuries to occupants or firefighters have been reported. However, some pets are believed to have perished, despite efforts to rescue others. By Sunday, demolition efforts resumed, but residents were unable to retrieve any belongings due to safety concerns. “This building was so heavily damaged, floors had collapsed, it was unsafe for anyone to be inside,” Stromgren stated.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman acknowledged the emotional impact of the fire on the community, stating, “No community can ever be prepared for this level of emergency.” He expressed gratitude to first responders and the various agencies that assisted, including local fire departments and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Support from political leaders, including U.S. Representative Jim McGovern, Governor Maura Healey, and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, was also noted. UMass officials are working to support displaced students with housing, food, and necessary supplies, while property owner Archipelago Investments LLC quickly arranged for the building’s demolition.
The financial repercussions of this incident are expected to be significant for the town, with property taxes potentially affected due to the loss of the $500,000 revenue from the building. Chief Stromgren highlighted the unique impact of this fire on the community, comparing it to a previous incident in 1985 that devastated a gymnasium at Amherst College. “This has much more impact on the community,” he said.
As the investigation continues, the town will conduct a debriefing to assess the response and identify any areas for improvement. The tragic event has brought to light the importance of community resilience in the face of unforeseen disasters.