For Immediate Release

Friday, June 10, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Great Barrington Fire Saves Downtown Landmark From Late Night Blaze

GREAT BARRINGTON — Fire Chief Charles Burger reports that the Great Barrington Fire Department battled a one-alarm fire late last night that threatened to destroy a downtown landmark.

Firefighters responded just after 11 p.m. on June 9 to Martin’s Restaurant, 49 Railroad St., where they found fire in a first floor kitchen of a two-story downtown block with attached exposures.

Great Barrington Police Officer Chad Shimmon was on the scene discharging an extinguisher through an open window, which helped slow the fire growth. The second floor apartment was searched to verify it was unoccupied. The first engine on scene was able to quickly control the fire while additional crews checked for extension, ventilated and performed salvage operations.

Fire damage was limited to the first floor kitchen, though there was smoke and heat damage throughout the restaurant. Second floor tenants were able to return to their apartment after firefighters ventilated the residence.

Twenty-one firefighters from Great Barrington responded to last night’s fire. The department was assisted on scene by the Lenox Fire Department’s Rapid Intervention Team, Great Barrington Police and National Grid. Southern Berkshire Ambulance, along with the fire department’s Support Group, were on scene providing firefighter rehab. Sheffield Fire covered Great Barrington’s Fire Station.

“I am proud of the quick work done by our department last night,” Chief Burger said. “I would also like to thank all the agencies who assisted us. We were able to save a downtown landmark in Great Barrington.”

Martin’s has been serving the community and visitors in Great Barrington since 1989. The business is insured. The cause is under investigation, but is not considered suspicious.

###