NORTHAMPTON —The smell of smoke was in the air Wednesday evening in the area of North Street at Market Street, not far from multiple sites of a recent string of suspected arson fires.
But authorities said Wednesday’s incident — a house filled with smoke after a pellet stove pipe malfunctioned and fell off — was unrelated to the others.
“I know what’s going on down in that area but this had nothing to do with that,” said Fire Capt. Matt Lemberg.
Officials are investigating six fires deemed suspicious that occurred between March 12 and 21 in the North Street area.
Lemberg said Wednesday’s call for “smoke in the building” at 83 North St. came in at 5:25 p.m. and emergency personnel responded for about 30 minutes, clearing smoke and testing for carbon monoxide.
Two engines, two ambulances, a ladder truck, and one command vehicle responded to the scene, of which Lemberg said, “For smoke in a house that’s pretty standard.”
He said the stove is out of commission, but there was no other damage to the building, nor was there any danger to residents.
Amanda Drane can be contacted at adrane@gazettenet.com.