Massive fire that displaced 230 residents in Amherst now contained

A fire that started Friday at an off-campus apartment complex near the University of Massachusetts Amherst has now been contained, according to a statement from the town of Amherst.
Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman rescinded the town’s state of emergency on Sunday at 5 p.m., which had initially been declared on Saturday to urge residents to stop all non-essential water use.
Residents can resume regular water use as the town’s water reserves have returned to normal, according to the statement.
The fire displaced about 230 residents at the apartment building at 57 Olympia Drive, a majority of which are UMass Amherst students. The building has been completely demolished after the Amherst Fire Department determined it was the only way to effectively control the fire.
The fire started at a building under construction at 47 Olympia Drive, which has also been completely demolished, officials said.
The fire department will remain on scene through Monday to suppress any remaining fires and police will patrol the fenced off area to ensure no one enters the still-dangerous ruins of the apartment complex.
There have been no reported injuries or human lives lost, though some pets were killed, according to the town of Amherst.
A cause for the fire is still under investigation as of Monday morning.
“No community can ever be prepared for this level of emergency,” Bockelman said in the statement. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Amherst Fire Department, Amherst Police Department, Department of Public Works (Water, Wastewater, and Highway Divisions), and the Inspection Services Department for their outstanding efforts.”
On Saturday, UMass Amherst announced a variety of relief efforts to help students displaced by the fires. Students affected have been given immediate free access to the university’s dining halls and an on-campus emergency resource center has been set up.
People are also encouraged to donate to the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund, which provides financial assistance to students during times of unexpected financial emergency.
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