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.

Tags: structure fire,   

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Adams OKs Parking Fix for Stalled Jordan St. Culvert Repairs

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — Jordan Street residents displaced by a years-old culvert collapse have a place to park this winter, but town officials remain in the dark regarding when the culvert will actually be fixed.
 
The Select Board on Wednesday approved a traffic commission recommendation to allow permitted on-street parking for specific residents during the winter parking ban.
 
Interim Town Administrator Holli Jayko explained that the collapse, which occurred behind a Jordan Street apartment building several years ago, effectively eliminated off-street parking for several households.
 
"This collapse eliminated parking for some residents which creates challenges during the winter parking-ban period," Jayko said.
 
While most residents on the narrow, one-way street have access to private parking, a select few were left with no legal options during the winter months. Those affected can now apply for a town permit, provided they can prove their parking loss is a direct result of the collapse.
 
Selectman Joseph Nowak noted the culvert has been "down for years" and questioned if there were any immediate plans for repair.
 
Community Development Director Donna Cesan said the town has been working with the Massachusetts and Federal Emergency Management agencies through the Hazard Mitigation Program, but the project is currently stalled at the federal level. Cesan noted that MEMA will not enter into a formal agreement until funding is fully secured.
 
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