Fire crews continue battle at massive UMass apartment blaze

A fire erupted at the Olympia Place apartment complex in Amherst, displacing around 230 residents, mostly UMass Amherst students. The blaze started in an under-construction building on Friday evening and quickly spread to a nearby apartment building due to high winds and proximity. Chief Lindsay Stromgen confirmed that the fire's intensity caused both buildings to be declared a total loss, with ongoing demolition efforts to aid in extinguishing the flames. Local authorities confirmed the fire is not suspicious, and a state of emergency was declared to conserve water for firefighting efforts. UMass Amherst has established a resource center and is providing temporary housing for affected students, emphasizing the community's need for support during this crisis.

President Marty Meehan called for the UMass community to assist displaced residents and highlighted the university's commitment to helping those affected. The fire caused significant destruction, with explosions reported at the construction site, and fire crews from multiple counties responded to the emergency. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing, with additional support from state officials.