GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A structure fire on Wednesday night at the former Wonderful Things gift shop is under investigation. 

 

The fire was reported just before 8 p.m. as near the Goodwill, which is next to the building at 232 Stockbridge Road.

 

Chief Charles Burger arrived on scene within minutes and struck the first alarm for a working fire. Heavy brown smoke was pouring from every area of the old 2 1/2 story building.

 

Great Barrington's first engine arrived a few minutes later. Hose lines were simultaneously stretched to the basement, first, and second floors where fire was found. The bulk of the fire was quickly taken down. However, fire extended to many void areas in the walls and ceilings of the building and crews works for several hours to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. All crews were back in service by midnight.

 

Great Barrington firefighters responded with three engines, a ladder, and rescue. They were assisted by a ladder from Monterey and an engine from Sheffield. Southern Berkshire Ambulance and the Support Group provided rehab on scene. Additional fire calls in town were covered by Stockbridge, Sheffield, and Egremont fire departments.

 

Stockbridge Road was shut down for several hours. The police worked to detour traffic.

 

"I’m proud of the hard work done by our firefighter's and mutual aid companies to contain fire throughout such and old building," said Burger.

 

The building, a residential structure on just over a quarter acre with downstairs retail space and four apartments, is listed for sale at $299,000.

 

The fire is under investigation by the Great Barrington Police and Fire departments and the State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office.