Fire Chief John Pansecchi, in white, talks strategy on Wednesday.
ADAMS, Mass. — At least eight fire companies responded to a Wednesday morning a structure fire in the old MacDermid Graphics building.
Firefighters and responders from Cheshire, Dalton, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lee, Savoy, North Adams, Pittsfield, Williamstown. Hinsdale also sent its rehab bus and Northern Berkshire EMS was on the scene with its rehab trailer.
The fire was reported at about 7:30 a.m. and black smoke could be seen looming over the old mill building at 10 Harmony St. Harmony and Prospect streets were closed to traffic.
The Adams Police Department posted on Facebook that Hoosac Valley Elementary School and Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School classes were cancelled for Wednesday. The schools are located not far from the structure.
Their post also reads, "Children on the bus already for Hoosac Valley Elementary School will be brought to the middle school gym at Hoosac Valley High School."
"BArT was already in session and will be evacuating to the Adams Visitor Center."
Fire Chief John Pansecchi said firefighters are approaching the blaze by pouring water at it from every angle.
"We have a fire in the building, looks like we have a lot of fire in the building and we're trying to get to it," he said. "Places have already collapsed prior to the fire, place that have collapsed since the fire, so not a lot of activity inside the building."
The mill, the former W.R. Grace, is made up of a number two- and three-story structures covering about 236,749 square feet. The fire was located in a long building toward the back of the property that runs alongside the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The roof was fully engulfed in flames and collapsed in on itself around by 8 a.m.
Trucks from Williamstown were being situated in the Russell Field parking lot and firefighters were trying to find a location where they could attack the blaze from the trail.
Pansecchi said the building is supposed to be vacant.
"I was working when the call came in," he said. "My guys did a great job getting set up putting some hose lines and being prepared and got some plans put together when I got here to extend that and that's what were looking at."
The cause of the blaze is unknown at this time but the state fire marshal was on the scene.
Pansecchi said firefighters are providing observations from the outside and the North Adams drone has been deployed to determine the extent of the blaze. The buildings are large and unsafe in most cases to enter.
"We're making good progress but we're not at a point I'd call it contained," he said. "There's already places that have caved in prior to this."
He's been joined by fire chiefs from the various departments, who have been aiding the attack from different fronts.
"It's a really big help [having them] because you've got so much going on fighting a fire you don't think of the other things," the Adams chief said. "They start making suggestions."
Some of the structures on the complex date to 1881, when Renfrew Manufacturing built to produce jacquard textiles. It was the last asset of the company, and its machines and inventory were stripped out in 1927.
The mill's had various owners and periods of vacancy over the last century, but was probably best known as W.R. Grace, a specialty chemical company that bought it as part of the acquisition of Dewey & Almy Chemical in the mid-1950s.
MacDermid took it over in 1999 but closed the plant three years later, putting 86 people out of work.
The property has been vacant since and was purchased by 10 Harmony Street LLC for $53,500 in 2019, according the online assessor's records. Principal of the LLC is listed as John D. Duquette Jr.
Staff writers and photographers Breanna Steele, Jack Guerino, Tammy Daniels and Marty Alvarez contributed to this article.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming Home in Adams
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a charming and inviting home? Then this is the one for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 125 Friend St.
This newly renovated 1960 home has three bedrooms and one bathroom. It is 1,239 square feet on a 1 1/2 acre lot.
The house includes a basement level two-car garage, an eat-in kitchen and a sunroom perfect for all seasons. The house recently got new paint, new carpets, and a new 200-amp electrical service.
It is on the market for $349,000.
We spoke with Stephanie Rapisarda from William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, which holds the listing.
What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?
It offers something difficult to find: a home that has been lovingly maintained by the same family for over six decades and is now being offered for the first time. Combined with its spacious 1.49 acre lot, beautifully renovated bathroom, and versatile four-season sunroom, this home presents a rare opportunity for buyers seeking both comfort and long-term value.
Do you know any unique stories about this home or its history?
Oh so many! My grandfather built the home. He and my grandmother raised their family there and when their kids had children, it remained a special haven for our entire family. My grandfather started his company CTC Inc. in the basement of the home, and his son still owns and operates the business today, now on a much larger scale.
The home's foundation is truly one of love. The pride of ownership is evident throughout the home, from its careful maintenance to the thoughtful updates that have preserved its character while enhancing everyday living.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
Warm, welcoming, and easy to live in. The home has a comfortable Berkshire feel, with bright living spaces, a practical layout, and a peaceful setting that makes it easy to relax and unwind. The four-season sunroom, back porch and beautiful yard create a wonderful connection to the outdoors throughout the year while still being right in town.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 125 Friend St.
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