Town Manager Declares State of Emergency Following Olympia Place Fire

Source: amherstma.gov

Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman declared a State of Emergency due to the ongoing fires on Olympia Drive. Residents are urged to stop all non-essential water use to help conserve water for firefighting operations. Over one million gallons of water have been used so far in these efforts, and it will take some days to recover the town’s water levels. The State of Emergency will ensure the town will have access to any emergency state or Federal funds that may be available to the displaced residents, property owner, and town.

Town Manager Paul Bockelman issued the following statement on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

No community can ever be prepared for this level of emergency. 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. We also sincerely thank all the partners who came to assist, including communities in Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, Worcester, and Berkshire counties. Their dedication, cooperation, and swift response were vital in managing this challenging situation  

The Town has also received fantastic support and offers of assistance from Congressman McGovern, Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Driscoll, and especially Senator Comerford and Representative Domb. The Town will be drawing on their offers of assistance. 

Special appreciation goes to the Task Force from the State Fire Mobilization Network for sending additional units to the fire scene, helping to relieve the crews who have been on scene since the fire was first reported. The Town also recognizes the support from the Red Cross, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst and property management have been excellent partners working with the displaced students to support their needs including housing, food, medical supplies, legal documents, and replacing lost belongings. The Town would like to recognize the cooperation provided by the owner of the properties, Archipelago Investments LLC, for immediately complying and arranging for demolition to begin. 

Most importantly, Town staff excelled and continue to work tirelessly. Amherst firefighters are working extra shifts while continuing to respond to emergencies throughout the Town. Police, Inspection Services, and the Department of Public Works have been there and coming up with solutions at critical junctures. Special recognition is owed to our Fire Department leadership: Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren, Assistant Fire Chief Steve Gaughan, and Assistant Fire Chief Steve Chandler. It is in crises like this that one recognizes the experience and quality of the people who serve our community.  

How to Help 

• Please stay clear of the area and follow emergency services instructions.
• Reduce your use of water and stop all non-essential water use to help conserve water for firefighting operations.
• To help the displaced residents financially, please donate to the Student Care and Emergency Response Fund which goes towards supporting students with emergency needs. At this time, they are requesting that physical donations not be brought to campus; service agencies are providing support to those in need.
• Find more information about the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s response to the fire at Olympia Drive including statements, updates, and resource links  at https://www.umass.edu/news/olympia-drive-fire-response 
• To offer support for temporary or longer term housing, contact Amherst Innovative Living at 413-992-2000.