Wildfire Puts Great Barrington in State of Emergency

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The town is in a local state of emergency as responders work to calm a wildfire spread over 100 acres near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain.

The Select Board hosted an emergency virtual meeting this afternoon to address the unexpected occurrence. During the meeting, the board declared a local state of emergency until further notice, recognizing that the fire poses an imminent and substantial risk to the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

It was recognized that the conditions require immediate action to protect the public and ensure effective coordination of response efforts.

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze. The fire was estimated to have spread over 100 acres and required a response of more than 80 personnel since being reported Monday.

For now, firefighters are trying to protect occupied properties. Work will continue throughout the day and night, the department reported. A command center has been set up at the fairgrounds.

Fire Chief Scott Turner said in an afternoon press release that it is an "ongoing and challenging situation" and asked for the public's patience and cooperation as firefighters work around the clock.

"Crews are working diligently to control the spread of the fire, and we are grateful for the support from neighboring fire departments, state agencies, and specialized teams," he said.

"The safety of our firefighters, residents, and the surrounding environment is our top priority."

Local photographer Zack Morris captured a helicopter taking water from the pond at Butternut Ski Area to douse the flames.  

The Select Board's Zoom meeting had more than 100 attendees as community members and media sought answers.

"There is citizen speak but we will not be taking any questions or discussing the fire," Chair Stephen Bannon said.

"That's an ongoing situation and during ongoing emergency situations, all information needs to come from emergency personnel, not from political, appointed, or elected officials. At this point, once the emergency is over, we will be glad to have more of a discussion."

Select Board members thanked emergency responders and urged residents to sign up for the Code Red emergency notification system so they can stay up to date.

"I will just say that this is when community means a lot," Bannon added.

Further updates can be found on townofgb.org.

Lee Breaks Ground on Public Safety Building

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, April 25, 2026

Lee Town Administrator Chris Brittain says the community voted to invest in its future by approving the new $37 million complex. 

LEE, Mass. — Ground was ceremonially broken on the town's new public safety building, something officials see as a gift to the community and future generations. 

When finished, Lee will have a 37,000 square-foot combined public safety facility on Railroad Street where the Airoldi and Department of Public Works buildings once stood. Construction will cost around $24 million, and is planned to be completed in August 2027.

"This is the town of Lee being proactive. This is the town of Lee being thoughtful and considerate and practical and assertive, and this project is not just for us. This project is a gift," Select Board member Bob Jones said. 

"This is a gift to our children, our grandchildren."

State and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, gathered at the site on Friday, clad in hard hats and yellow vests, and shoveled some dirt to kick off the build. 

Town Administrator Chris Brittain explained that officials have planned and reviewed the need for a modern facility for the public safety departments for years, and that the project marks a new chapter, replacing 19th-century infrastructure with a "state-of-the-art" complex.

"The project is not just about concrete and steel, it's a commitment to the safety of our families, the efficiency of our first responders, and the future of our community," he said. 

He said he was grateful to the town's Police, Fire, and Building departments for their dedication while operating out of outdated facilities, and to the Department of Public Works, for coordinating site preparation and relocating its services.