Great Barrington — At approximately 7:30 a.m. yesterday morning the Great Barrington Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire at 26 Berkshire Heights Road. Chief Charles Burger immediately requested the first alarm.
Initial arriving Great Barrington units found a large 7,500 square foot single family log cabin with fire venting from the basement to the attic on the west side of the dwelling and rapidly spreading. The residents stated everyone was out. Great Barrington Engine 3 stretched a hose line inside and rapidly knocked down multiple rooms of fire on the first and second floors. However, the fire quickly ran through the attic and void spaces to half of the old dwelling. It took several hours to bring the fire completely under control.
Firefighters were faced with many challenges. A supply line needed to be laid 1,500 feet up the long driveway from the nearest hydrant which is in a very low pressure area of town. The water department was able to open bypasses in the system to boost the water supply. Additionally, the interior walls were framed several inches from the exterior log walls which created large void spaces which contributed to rapid, concealed fire spread.
Fire damage was contained to the west end of the house and half of the attic. However, there was extensive water, heat, and smoke damage throughout the entire building. Most of the contents and part of the building are considered a loss.
Great Barrington responded with three engines, a rescue and ladder. They were assisted on scene by a ladder and Rapid Intervention Team from Monterey, two engines from Sheffield, Great Barrington Police, the water department, National Grid, Southern Berkshire Ambulance, and the Fire Department Support Group. The Egremont Fire Department covered Great Barrington during the fire.
The fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office but is not considered suspicious.
There were no injuries. The residents are being housed locally by their insurance company, Wheeler & Taylor.
“I would like to express my sympathy to the residents who lost so much today yet were primarily concerned for the safety of our firefighters,” added Chief Burger. “Their thoughtfulness is impressive. I would also like to thank our firefighters and mutual aid companies who worked so long and hard despite being faced with many challenges.”
