Press Release  Fire Officials Provide Update on Clemente Street and High Street Fires

HOLYOKE — Both of the three-alarm apartment building fires in Holyoke this week appear to be accidental but the exact causes remain under investigation, said Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

“We’re relieved that no one was injured in this week’s fires, but this has been a terribly challenging week for the community,” said Chief Kadlewicz. “Our hearts go out to all the families who lost their homes and belongings. We ask anyone who wants to help to make donations to Enlace de Familias. This will ensure that your support goes directly to the people who need it most.”

Fire officials said the buildings’ alarm systems worked as intended at both fires, allowing all residents to escape safely.

Yesterday’s three-alarm fire broke out at 733 High Street but soon extended to properties on High and Franklin streets as snow blanketed the region. As many as 50 firefighters and about a dozen engines, ladder trucks, and other apparatus battled the blaze, and crews continued to extinguish hot spots and conduct overhaul until after midnight. As of today, the residents of 45 apartments have been displaced – but no injuries were reported.

“Holyoke firefighters did a tremendous job under extremely difficult conditions,” Chief Kadlewicz said. “They faced heavy fire with zero visibility at times, with snow and ice making their work even harder. This fire could have spread even further and threatened even more homes, and I want to recognize their extraordinary performance in containing it. And all of us want to thank our mutual aid partners, the Holyoke Police Department, and Holyoke Emergency Management for their strong support.”

Preliminarily, Holyoke fire investigators and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office believe the fire originated in a first-floor bedroom. In this area, they located a power strip plugged into a multi-plug adapter.

“This investigation is still active, but we know that overloaded power strips and extension cords are a common cause of electrical fires,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “These devices are designed for temporary use and can’t handle the current drawn by too many appliances. Please use them sparingly, and always plug them directly into a wall outlet – not another extension cord, power strip, or adapter.”

Local and state investigators are also continuing their work in connection with Monday’s two-alarm fire on Roberto Clemente Street, which displaced an additional 26 families. They identified the area of origin as a second-floor apartment but have not determined the exact cause. Based on an examination of the scene and witness interviews, they are looking at accidental factors and do not believe it was intentionally set.

The Red Cross of Massachusetts, Salvation Army, Enlace de Familias, and other partners are supporting the displaced residents. The Department of Fire Services delivered a Rehab unit to both fires to support firefighters’ health and safety on the fireground.

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