Fire at Olympia Place Apartments Displaces Six
A fire at #38 Olympia Place on September 6, 2025, was apparently caused by an electric bike. Photo: Amherst Fire Department
Source: Amherst Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren
The Amherst Fire Department responded to a report of a porch fire at the Olympia Place apartment complex at 11:23 a.m. on Saturday September 6. The initial arriving on-duty, full-time firefighters along with officers from Amherst Police Department, confirmed that the porch of unit #38 was heavily involved in fire that was extending into the structure and though the first and second floors and into the attic. A recall for all Amherst Firefighters was sounded as well as a second alarm for mutual aid.
After confirming that all occupants were out of the building the fire was initially attacked from the outside due to its size. Crews worked for the next two hours to extinguish the blaze. During their search of the building, firefighters rescued a cat, two guinea pigs and some other pets who were reunited with their owners.
Representatives from Eversource and Berkshire Gas were on scene and shutoff electrical and gas service to the building. Amherst Firefighters were assisted on scene by Belchertown Fire, Hadley Fire, Northampton Fire, and Pelham Fire, as well as the Granby fire department ambulance.
The building, which has three apartments, was heavily damaged, and is uninhabitable. Approximately six residents were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross and property management to find housing. The Amherst building and electrical inspectors were on scene and were working with management to secure the building.
It was reported that one occupant jumped from a second story window and received minor injuries. Two occupants were transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Fire investigators from the Amherst Fire and Police Departments, and the State Fire Marshall’s office were on scene. The investigation is still ongoing, but preliminary reports are that the fire started with an electric bike on the porch.
All fire crews were clear of the building at 3p.m., at which time property management was working to secure the structure.
