GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A Division Street garage went up in flames on Thursday night, destroying the woodworking shop inside. 

 

The fire is under investigation by local authorities and the State Fire Marshal's Office but is not deemed suspicious and is presumed to be weather related. There were no injuries.

 

Firefighters responded to 69 Division St. at about 7:56 p.m. for a reported garage fire; additional calls to 911 reported a fully engulfed garage with a house in close proximity.

 

Interim Chief James Mead said he arrived to find heavy fire completely involving the

structure with an exposure approximately 25 feet away. Mead requested the first alarm and a tanker task force.

 

Engine 3 arrived approximately 6 minutes after dispatch and quickly knocked down the 30-foot flames with a deck gun before transitioning to handlines and extensive overhaul. Engines 4 and 2 supplemented Engine 3 with water until tankers from Egremont, Monterey and Sheffield arrived. A nearby hydrant was not a viable water source. 

 

The blaze was brought under control within 20 minutes, however, firefighters remained on scene pulling apart and hosing down the contents for approximately four hours with the assistance of a mini excavator. The garage and its contents were a total loss and the nearby stucco home had minor damage from heat exposure.

 

Great Barrington was assisted by police, the Sheffield, Egremont and Monterey fire

departments, and the Fire Department Support Group. The Great Barrington station was staffed by an engine from Sheffield.

 

"I would like to extend our sympathy to the homeowner who not only lost the garage, but also lost all of their woodworking tools and equipment inside," said Mead, adding, "I am very proud of our firefighters for making such a quick knockdown and saving the home that was moments away from igniting. I also want to thank our Support Group and Southern Berkshire Ambulance for ensuring that our firefighters stayed hydrated and healthy during this unprecedented heat."