GREENFIELD — Careless disposal of smoking materials caused a fire that injured one person on Deerfield Street Sunday, according to Fire Chief Robert Strahan.
The fire caused extensive damage to two apartments and a business at 366 Deerfield St. Sunday. The fire was reported around 11:30 a.m. Strahan said one resident was injured with minor burns from the fire. Another person was arrested at the scene when he allegedly attempted to drive through while first responders were on scene.
Strahan said that there was “extensive fire damage to the exterior and into the roof” of the second floor, as well as water damage throughout the building.
Strahan said five residents from two apartments were displaced. He said two people were in the building when the fire occurred.
According to the city clerk’s office, a business called Speedway Auto is also located at 366 Deerfield St. An attempt to contact the business was unsuccessful Tuesday.
Greenfield and Turners Falls fire departments battled the blaze Sunday, which was under control around noon. The road was closed during the fire.
While first responders were on scene, a person was arrested after driving through the scene and charged with drunken driving.
Police alleged Micah Nusbaum, 31, of Greenfield had driven through the closed-off portion of road, swerving around firefighters and equipment. According to Sgt. Todd Dodge, he attempted to get the driver to stop by waving his arms but the car continued through the scene and reportedly drove over a charged fire hose.
The vehicle eventually stopped, but Nusbaum remained in the car and did not comply with Dodge’s orders, police said. Dodge reached into the vehicle and put it in “park,” though Nusbaum had allegedly tried to shift the vehicle back into gear.
Nusbaum was pulled from the vehicle, according to police. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol — second offense, failing to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and possessing an open container of alcohol in the car.
Nusbaum was arraigned and pleaded innocent to the charges Monday in Greenfield District Court. He was released on his personal recognizance and is expected back in court July 30 for a pre-trial conference.
You can reach Dan Desrochers at:
ddesrochers@recorder.com
413-772-0261, ext. 257