LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — A fire at the Olde Forge on Sunday was intentionally set by an employee, authorities said.
The investigation determined that it had been set using smoking materials. The man, who was not identified, will be summonsed to Central Berkshire District Court.
The investigation was conducted by Fire Chief Jeffrey DeChaine, Police Chief Robert Derksen, and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey.
"I'd like to thank our firefighters and mutual aid partners for their work containing this fire and preventing even greater damage," said DeChaine. "The joint investigation with our local and state partners has identified the suspect as an employee of the restaurant who will be summonsed to court at a later date."
The fire at Olde Forge on Main Street (Route 7) was first reported at about 10 Sunday morning. The restaurant opens at noon on Sunday.
There was fire showing from the rear of the building when the Fire Department. Firefighters immediately began suppression efforts that kept the fire from spreading into the rest of the building.
The fire departments of Cheshire, Dalton, Hancock, and Hinsdale also responded to assist. The fire was contained within an hour and operations at the scene continued until about 1 p.m. One firefighter was transported from the scene as a precaution for possible heat exhaustion but has recovered.
The origin and cause of the fire were jointly investigated by the Lanesborough Fire and Police Departments, and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office.
There were more than 600 arsons in Massachusetts last year, Ostroskey said. Collectively, they caused 11 fire service injuries, eight civilian injuries, three deaths, and more than $3 million in damages.
"Anyone with information on an intentionally set fire can share it with investigators confidentially," he said. "The Arson Watch Reward Program is run by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriters Association and provides rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson. Call 1-800-682-9229 any time, day or night."
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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