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A barn at Stoney Brook Farm went up in flames on Friday, killing 18 chickens.
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Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
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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. 

Tags: structure fire,   

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Adams Earth Day Clean-Up Saturday

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — Earth Day has come and gone but community members are continuing to make strides to clean up their neighborhoods in recognition of it.
 
The Northern Berkshire Events Committee has partnered with the Adams Beautification Group to host the fourth annual community cleanup day, during which residents will clean up 10 locations throughout town.
 
The event will take place this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, with participants meeting at the Adams Visitor Center. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 2. Refresh from a day of cleaning with pizza provided by Dough Boys Pizza. 
 
Locations slated for cleanup are Sail Park by AJ's Restaurant, Veterans Park on Columbia Street, the train station, Hoosac Street Gardens, the Adams Hometown Market parking lot, Fisk Road and Fisk Street, and Edmunds Street, and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail beginning at the Visitor Center to Grove Street, and Siara Street Park. 
 
"We are encouraging many volunteers to bring any tools that they may have, such as gloves, rakes, shovels, brooms, dust pans, hand snips, shears — anything that they can bring to help make the cleanup even more effective," said Jessica Girard, events committee chair. 
 
"The beautification group will have safety vests for those working closer to traffic."
 
The event will include a friendly competition with prizes and Second Chance Composting will also be on-site to promote sustainable waste practices. The town's Department of Public Works is supplying bags and a truck to help the day run smoothly. 
 
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