Firefighters responded to a severe blaze at an unoccupied construction site on Olympia Drive in Amherst. The incident, which spread to the Olympia Place apartment complex, continues to burn despite ongoing containment efforts.
An official update from the Amherst Fire Department confirmed that local authorities have declared a state of emergency. Residents are being asked to conserve water, as more than one million gallons have already been used in firefighting operations. Officials warn that it may take several days for water reserves to recover.
“The building at 57 Olympia Drive, also known as Olympia Place, is deemed a total loss and is being demolished.”
According to a 7:30 p.m. statement from the Amherst Police Department, portions of the building remain aflame, and the structure is too unstable for firefighters to enter safely.
“Demolition crews are on site tearing down the building so that fire crews can reach the areas that are still burning,” the statement continued.
This report includes only verified information directly observed or confirmed by staff. Additional updates will follow as the situation develops.
Author’s summary: A destructive fire in Amherst has led to the complete loss of Olympia Place, prompting a town-wide emergency and water conservation measures.