BECKET, Mass. — In an update released by the state Department of Fire Services late Wednesday morning, it was stated that the cause of the fire is still undetermined.
The statement did note that there were issues with the fire suppression system, which are being investigated by the insurance company.
Becket Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal are still investigating the fire that burnt the Doris Duke Studio Theatre completely to the ground Tuesday morning.
The theater is determined to be a total loss; no other buildings were damaged by the fire.
BECKET, Mass. — The Doris Duke Studio Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival burned to the ground on Tuesday morning.
Nicole Tomasofsky, interim director of communication for Jacob's Pillow, said the fire was reported at about 7 a.m. and was contained to the 216-seat theater.
"[T]he damage to the theater is extensive," she said. "No one was injured in the incident."
Artistic and Executive Director Pamela Tatge later vowed that the festival would rebuild.
"While we have lost some precious, irreplaceable items, those experiences and memories will last forever. We are heartbroken and we are relieved that no one was hurt. On behalf of everyone at the Pillow, we are grateful for the firefighters and officials who have responded so quickly to this devastating emergency on our grounds," she said. "We are grateful for the outpouring of support from around the world we have already received. We will rebuild."
The structure was fully involved and took about two hours to put out, according to news reports. By around noontime, the heavy equipment was pulling the charred remains apart and was still on the campus at 1 p.m.
At least six fire departments responded to the scene, including Chester, Hinsdale, Lee, Otis and Monterey.
"The Becket fire department was first on scene," Becket Select Board Vice Chairman Michael Lavery told WAMC. "The fire was a six-alarm fire and six towns including Monterey were involved. I believe the fire was put out shortly before 9 a.m. but it was a total loss of the one building."
Images posted on Twitter and Facebook show the structure completely destroyed. The state fire marshal's office is reportedly aiding in the investigation.
"The cause of the fire is not known yet. Jacob's Pillow staff are working closely with local officials on the next steps," Tomasofsky said.
The Duke Theatre, named for the philanthropist and arts supporter, was the smaller of the two performance venues at the dance festival. The Ted Shawn Theatre, named for Jacob's Pillow's founder, has more than 600 seats.
The theater opened in 1990 and was Jacob's Pillow's first large studio. It was used for developing new work in class, rehearsals, and performances. Liz Thompson, who designed and built the Inside/Out stage at Jacob's Pillow, was the catalyst for constructing the Doris Duke Theatre.
The Pillow, like many other performing arts venues in the Berkshires, had canceled its season because of the pandemic. It had recently opened studio and housing spaces to a small number of artists this fall for COVID-compliant Pillow Lab residencies.
NOW: Firefighters putting out fire at Doris Duke theater at Jacob’s Pillow in #Becket. Fire departments: Chester, Lee, Otis, Monterey and Hinsdale all here. @WWLP22Newspic.twitter.com/TlPGC5xVYm
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Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation.
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School.
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks.
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan.
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about.
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said.
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom.
Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
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The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
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A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more
Amy Schirmer was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for creating a weekly therapeutic art class at the George B. Crane Center to help those in recovery from substance use. click for more