Pittsfield Fighters Contain Wyandotte Mill Blaze
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Wyandotte Mill complex and were able to contain the blaze to the auto body shop where the fire originated.
On Thursday, June 1 at 8:28 pm, the Pittsfield Fire Department was dispatched to 20 Keeler Street for a reported structure fire.
Engine 5, Engine 3, Engine 1, Truck 2, and Car 2 responded. Truck 2 was first on scene and reported heavy fire showing from multiple first floor windows. Car 2 initiated a double alarm assignment, bringing the remaining two engines (Engine 6 and Engine 2) to the scene.
This complex is a large 1800's era wool mill that has since been converted into numerous businesses. These include a pool chemical supply company, an auto body shop, metal fabrication business among others.
The origin area of the fire was concentrated in an auto body shop/motor vehicle storage space. This space had an estimated 15 motor vehicles and possibly some boats inside the space.
On arrival, many of these vehicles were fully involved with fire inside the building, extending throughout the building.
According to the Fire Department, the strategy at this fire was to contain the fire to the auto body area and avoid extension into the adjacent pool supply business, which holds a high quantity of chemicals and oxidizers, many of which are water reactive.
The mill construction is classified as heavy timber. The building elements are strong with fire-resistive properties, even though the supporting members are exposed.
A third alarm was struck, bringing Lenox Fire Department's Engine 3 directly to the scene. Pittsfield's reserve aerial ladder was away for yearly maintenance, so an additional nine firefighters responded in pickup trucks.
The fire was eventually confined, contained, and extinguished within 3 hours. All fire damage was limited to the first floor. The damage estimate is not available at this time.
Members of the Pittsfield Fire Investigation Unit, Pittsfield Police, and MA State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating.
There were no reported firefighter or civilian injuries. Pittsfield Police helped remove occupants from adjacent apartments at the onset of operations.
Lenox, Adams, Cheshire, Dalton, Lanesborough, and Hinsdale Fire were on call for mutual aid.
