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.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Letter: Supporting Organizations That Keep Our Communities Strong
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
Berkshire County is home to many cultural gems, and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM) is certainly one of them. Its Hoosac Valley Train Ride has become a cherished holiday tradition for families from near and far, offering a unique opportunity to experience our region's history, beauty, and sense of community.
It was heartbreaking to learn of the fire and the damage it caused. At the same time, it has been encouraging to see the determination of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum's team as they assess the damage, work toward repairs, and do everything possible to get the trains back in service and honor scheduled rides. Their commitment to rebuilding and moving forward is a testament to the passion and perseverance that keep BSRM alive.
The impact of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum extends well beyond the tracks. Here in Adams, the organization is an important part of our local economy. With approximately 10,000 riders annually, the Hoosac Valley Train Ride brings thousands of visitors to our community. Many of those visitors also spend time exploring our cultural attractions, dining at local restaurants, shopping at our businesses, and filling their gas tanks before heading home. That ripple effect matters, particularly to a small community like Adams.
I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Adams Fire Department for its work to fight the fire. We are fortunate to have dedicated firefighters who respond when our community needs them most. Their service is a powerful reminder of the importance of the people who give their time, energy, and expertise to protect our neighbors, our history, and our community.
Volunteer organizations are often the backbone of our towns. Whether they are responding to emergencies, preserving our history, or creating meaningful experiences for families, these organizations bring people together and help make the Berkshires a place we are proud to call home. They deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our support — not just in times of crisis, but throughout the year. I am grateful to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum for its determination and commitment to rebuilding, and to the Adams Fire Department for its service to our community.
I hope we will all do what we can to help the railway recover and continue sharing this special piece of Berkshire County history with future generations.
Berkshire Village has been fined by the state for wastewater violations while residents say problems persist despite the owners' assurances that they are doing everything they can to improve conditions at the mobile home park. click for more
The fire broke out about 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and posts to Facebook show heavy flames and smokes on the side of the historic Budd Car 41.
click for more
The single-span bridge, originally constructed in 1957, has developed several structural deficiencies in recent years, including deteriorating steel beams with section loss and rusting. click for more
Gabe Thomas carded an even par round of 71 at Stockbridge Golf Club Monday to finish two shots clear of the field and claim the first county individual championship for the McCann Tech golf team. click for more
The event showcases the strong sense of community that defines Adams while offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fall foliage, which is typically near its peak this time of year. click for more