City of North Adams Gives Statement on Ongoing Fire (Photos)

The City of North Adams has released a statement regarding the massive ongoing fire which started at Apkins Scrapyard on State St. late this morning:

"At approximately 10:15 this morning the North Adams Fire Department responded to a reported car fire at the Apkins Scrap Yard off State Street in North Adams. Upon arrival and initial assessment first responders determined that the fire was more significant than initially reported affecting multiple vehicles and material in the scrap yard.

The ongoing firefighting operation is being supported by multiple mutual aid companies as well as by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s air quality monitoring team and state Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division (HazMat).

Due to the significant quantities of smoke the fire is producing, residents and businesses are advised to keep continuing HVAC systems off, closing windows, and remaining indoors.

This will be a prolonged duration firefighting event with further briefings to follow."