Great Barrington —At approximately 7:56 p.m. on Thursday, July 27th, the Great Barrington Fire Department was dispatched for a reported garage fire at 69 Division Street.
According to a press release issued by the department, additional calls to 911 reported a fully engulfed garage with a house in close proximity. Great Barrington Interim Chief James Mead arrived to find heavy fire completely involving the structure with an exposure approximately 25 feet away. Interim Chief Mead requested the first alarm and a tanker task force.
Great Barrington’s Engine 3 arrived approximately 6 minutes after dispatch and quickly knocked down the 30 foot flames with a deck gun before transitioning to handlines and extensive overhaul. Great Barrington’s Engines 4 and 2 supplemented Engine 3 with water until tankers from Egremont, Monterey and Sheffield arrived. A nearby hydrant was not a viable water source. The garage that housed a woodworking shop was under control within 20 minutes, however firefighters remained on scene pulling apart and hosing down the contents for approximately 4 hours with the assistance of a mini excavator. The garage was a total loss and the nearby stucco home had minor damage from heat exposure.
Great Barrington responded with three engines, a ladder, and a rescue. They were assisted on scene by Sheffield Fire Department, Egremont Fire Department, Monterey Fire Department, Great Barrington Police Department, and the Great Barrington Fire Department Support Group. The Great Barrington station was staffed by an Engine from Sheffield.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office, Great Barrington Fire Department and Great Barrington Police Department, but is not suspicious and presumed to be weather related. There were no injuries.
Interim Fire Chief James Mead stated “I would like to extend our sympathy to the homeowner who not only lost the garage, but also lost all of their woodworking tools and equipment inside.” Interim Chief Mead added that “I am very proud of our firefighters for making such a quick knockdown and saving the home that was moments away from igniting. I also want to thank our Support Group and Southern Berkshire Ambulance for ensuring that our firefighters stayed hydrated and healthy during this unprecedented heat.”
