Students forced out by Amherst apartment fire

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Five students had to be evacuated after a basement fire in Amherst on Thursday.

Amherst Fire Chief Tim Nelson told 22News that the call came in shortly after 12:30 p.m. When they arrived at 28 Hobart Lane, smoke was coming out of the basement window.

Firefighters were able to put out the flames in less than a half an hour.

Chief Nelson says they haven't been able to confirm what caused it, but believe it was accidental.

No one was injured, however extensive damage was reported in the basement. The electrical wiring of the duplex apartment was also damaged.

Chief Nelson told 22News students won't be able to occupy the apartment until it's fixed, until then, UMass will provide alternate housing.