A devastating fire engulfed the Olympia Place apartments in Amherst over the weekend, leaving approximately 230 residents without homes. The fire, which started on the evening of November 3, 2025, has been deemed one of the most destructive in the town’s history, with an ongoing investigation to determine its cause.
On Monday, Amherst firefighters continued their efforts to extinguish the remnants of the fire, which had consumed the $18.5 million development located at 57 Olympia Drive. Fire Chief Lindsay Stromgren reported that the fire began around 20:19 on a neighboring construction site at 47 Olympia Drive, where a similar residential building was being erected. The proximity of the two structures allowed the flames to quickly spread to Olympia Place, which opened in fall 2016.
The construction methods used in Olympia Place, primarily wood-based, contributed to its vulnerability. Chief Stromgren explained that the building’s wood sheathing panels, while compliant with state building codes, did not provide the same level of fire resistance as steel construction. “It was a massive amount of fire load burning,” he stated, highlighting the intensity of the blaze that compromised the building’s integrity.
Initial firefighting efforts from within the building were hampered by a sudden loss of water pressure, causing firefighters to abandon their interior attack. Despite attempts to boost water pressure, conditions worsened as floors began to collapse. Consequently, the decision was made to demolish the structure entirely. The demolition team from Associated Building Wreckers worked through Saturday night, but their efforts were complicated by the ongoing smoke and danger.
Firefighters employed a tanker shuttle system, using around 2 million gallons of water from tanker trucks to keep the situation under control. Although the building was equipped with sprinklers, Chief Stromgren noted that these systems are not designed to handle fires of such magnitude. Additionally, the lack of sprinklers in the attic space allowed the fire to spread unchecked.
By Sunday, the town had issued a state of emergency, which was lifted as water reserves returned to normal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents or firefighters, although some pets are believed to have perished in the fire.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman emphasized the emotional toll on the community, stating, “No community can ever be prepared for this level of emergency.” He expressed gratitude to the firefighters, police officers, and various town departments for their swift response and support. The collaboration extended beyond Amherst, with assistance provided by neighboring communities and organizations such as the Red Cross and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
In the aftermath, UMass officials are working to support displaced students, providing housing, food, and other essentials. UMass President Marty Meehan commended the university’s efforts and the cooperation among first responders and community members.
The financial impact on Amherst is expected to be significant, as the town may need to abate a substantial portion of the $500,000 in property taxes previously associated with the building. Chief Stromgren noted that in his time with the department, the only comparable incident was a fire that destroyed the Amherst College gymnasium in March 1985. Yet, he pointed out that the community impact of this recent fire is far more profound, as it displaced numerous residents from their homes.
As investigations continue, the town is assessing the response and identifying any areas for improvement to better prepare for future emergencies.
