AMHERST — An electrical event in the attic is being blamed for a fire that heavily damaged a Blue Hills Road home Sunday afternoon, according to Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson.
Nelson said Wednesday that the investigation by his department and the state fire marshal’s office revealed an unspecified electrical issue that caused the blaze at the 110 Blue Hills residence.
Burning was occurring in the concealed space for some time before it was noticed, he said.
“It had a pretty good head start,” Nelson said.
The two residents at the home, including one identified as being 95 years old on logs supplied by Amherst Police, were able to get out safely and without injury.
Both residents have been able to move in with family members until repairs are made, Nelson said, adding that the home will require extensive rehabilitation and restoration.
Town property records show the home is owned by Susan McQuiston, who bought the home in 1994. Efforts to reach McQuiston Wednesday at offices in Amherst and Springfield, where she is listed as a clinical child and adolescent psychologist, were unsuccessful.
Firefighters and emergency personnel vehicles from a number of other towns, including Northampton, Pelham and Belchertown, responded to the fire, which was reported shortly before 2 p.m. The fire was mostly contained by 3 p.m.
