AMHERST — Six residents at Hospice of the Fisher Home were displaced by a fire Friday night, according to Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson.
Emergency crews from Amherst and Belchertown responded to an alarm at 7:22 p.m. at 1164 North Pleasant St., and arrived about seven minutes later. There was light smoke coming from the building and firefighters discovered a fire breaking out in the attic space. According to Nelson, the fire was knocked down in 15 to 20 minutes.
There were no injuries, Nelson said. All six residents of the home were relocated to New England Health Center in Sunderland, per an agreement between the organizations that covers emergencies.
Nelson said there is significant damage to the roof of the building and water damage to the main floor, though the building’s automatic sprinkler system kept the flames in check while firefighters worked to gain access to the attic. Nelson expects it will be about two weeks before residents can return to the home.
Yellow tape continued to block access to the building Saturday afternoon, and a section of the roof was patched by a blue tarp. A pile of debris including insulation, a lighting track and furniture behind the building was covered by a piece of plastic. A large, green Sunbelt Rentals Pump and Power Services unit was nearby.
The hospice program delivers services to families in their own homes as well as at the residence.