EASTHAMPTON — A Exeter Street duplex caught fire at approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday, burning through one side of the two-family home.
Firefighters from Easthampton and neighboring communities battled the blaze from above using multiple ladder trucks, directing water onto the duplex at 24 Exeter St. Flames had largely been knocked down by about 1:45 p.m., though smoke continued to billow from the building as emergency crews remained on scene.
There were no injuries, according to Police Chief Chad Alexander, who said the three residents and cat who live in the duplex were not harmed. Two people live in the unit that sustained more damage, and one lives in the other. He said at least two residents would be displaced.
Alexander said Easthampton emergency services were alerted to the blaze by multiple alarms. A police officer arrived within minutes, ensuring everyone had evacuated the duplex and nearby residents were out of their homes. He added that officers moved as many street-parked vehicles as possible to make room for arriving fire engines.
“Luckily we had three patrol officers on-duty ready to respond to set up for fire to do their job,” Alexander said, adding that all six police officers on-duty responded to the fire — three patrol officers, two detectives and Alexander. “When we’re needed, we’re needed.”
Alexander said the fire’s cause is undetermined, deferring to Easthampton Fire Chief Christopher Norris, who could not immediately be reached for comment. The fire will be investigated by local police and fire, State Police and the state fire marshal.
City resident Patrick Saint-Martin, who lives blocks away from the fire, said he was doing yard work when he saw a “bloom of smoke” rising.
“I saw the smoke and just came running. We have friends that live down here, and I checked in with them to make sure they were OK,” he said, adding that his friends were not harmed.
At least 10 engines were on scene from Easthampton, Westhampton, Northampton, Southampton, Westfield, South Hadley and Holyoke.
