CHESHIRE, Mass. — A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.
The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm.
Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."
Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.
The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it.
Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center.
Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep.
"We don't have any idea of the cause but the fire marshal is on the way, said the chief.
Firefighters were trying to douse hotspots but the structure's metal roof — now on the ground — was making it difficult to get into certain areas. The owner had a small loader on the way to help push the roofing aside.
The property has been in the Zieminski family for several generations. A section of the road in front of the home was closed off for a couple hours.
"We're just kind of mopping up operations at this point, as far as pulling the metal roof and getting into pockets of it, that kind of stuff," the chief said at about 2 p.m. "But we are starting to demobilize to send parties back."
All companies were released at 4:39 p.m. and returned to quarters.
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Adams Boba Tea & Gift Shop Announces Closure
Staff Reports
ADAMS, Mass. — Owner of 57 Park Street, Lea King, announced she was retiring and clearing out her gift and boba tea shop.
King moved to Berkshire County eight years ago, first renovating and reopening the historic Wigwam in North Adams with her partner, Wayne Gelinas, and then the gift shop in Adams. She saw the boba tea shop as a way to bring some of her culture to the community.
King opened the shop in March 2023 and reopened it in the summertime for people to enjoy drinks and buy local gift items.
"Over the past three seasons I've loved making boba tea and smoothies, teaching people about boba pearls, and chatting with everyone who stopped by. Many customers even became friends, which made this little shop extra special," she wrote. Over the next few weeks I’ll be clearing out the shop, and everything will be priced below cost. If you enjoy a bargain or would like to stop by to say hi and bye, feel free."
King announced on Facebook on Sunday that it is time for her to "fully embrace retirement and focus on family and new adventures."
"Thank you for the conversations, laughs, and friendships," she wrote. "Adams will always hold a special place in my heart."
The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm. click for more
The town is preparing to submit an application for Community Block Grant Funds following the designation of its blighted area on Route 8. click for more
The Board of Selectmen last week approved the closures of the street between Pleasant and Dean Streets from Wednesday through Saturday, April 1 to 4, to allow for the Crewdson's production company to set up for his complex and intricate shots. click for more
The national media and marketing company spotlights independent eateries around the country and was back in the Berkshires to try two more local favorites: M&J's Taste of Home Diner and the Shire Tavern.
click for more