Fire at Vacant Adams Mill Under Investigation

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ADAMS, Mass. — Officials from the State Fire Marshal's office reported that the structure fire at the old MacDermid Graphics building remains under investigation.
 
"The investigation is still open, and given the scope of the damage it may take a while," said Jake Wark from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
 
A large fire broke out Wednesday morning around 7:30 a.m. at the old MacDermid Graphics building, drawing a massive response from fire companies across the region, forcing school closures and prompting a large firefighting effort to contain the blaze at the vacant mill.
 
The Adams Fire Department later reported that firefighters fought the blaze for 12 1/2 hours, finally clearing Harmony Street around 6 p.m.
 
Approximately 22 agencies and 100 responders assisted at the scene after a second alarm was requested.
 
No firefighters were injured.
 
During the fire, an alert was sent out cautioning residents with breathing issues to shelter in place due to potentially toxic materials burning in the building. Adams Fire officials reported that the state Hazmat Team did respond.
 
"Our State Hazmat Team responded and continued to monitor the scene and assured us the only readings they were getting were right near the fire," the Adams Fire Department reported.
 
The Adams Fire Department thanked support units from the state and region, as well as local businesses that supplied fuel and food, including Rowley Fuel, Pizza House and Angelina's.

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Adams Man in Wednesday's Stabbing Incident Arraigned on Assault Charges

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — An Adams man who called 911 on Tuesday night saying he had been stabbed was arraigned Friday on charges related to that incident and on outstanding warrants. 
 
Philip White, 25, is accused of stabbing himself and calling 911 posing as a "friend." According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, an officer responding to the scene at 31 Commercial St. fired his weapon when the White was "observed approaching the officer in a threatening manner with an object in his hand." He missed, and no one was further injured. 
 
White was initially held at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield for a mental health evaluation and was reported in stable condition from his wounds, which were described as not life-threatening.
 
He was charged in Northern Berkshire District Court with assault with a dangerous weapon, to wit: cutting instrument, in connection with the Jan. 27 incident. He is being held without right to bail probation violation from charges of assault and battery, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct from an incident on Sept. 12, 2025. 
 
White has three outstanding warrants which include three counts of trespass and one count of assault and battery on a family/household member. The court has additionally ordered an evaluation on his competence to stand trial and at the defense request, criminal responsibility.
 
A dangerousness hearing request is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4. 
 
District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said he will announce the findings of the full investigation into this incident, including the officer's discharge of his firearm, upon the conclusion of the investigation. The DA's Office said there would not be any additional comments at this time.
 
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