Great Barrington, MA - On September 9, 2025 approximately around 07: 44 am, the Great Barrington Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at 174 Front Street in Housatonic, the former Monument Mills complex. On arrival, Car 1 encountered a light smoke condition inside the building and requested a re-tone for a possible structure fire.

Engine 3 arrived shortly thereafter, and a first alarm was struck due to limited staffing on scene. Crews from Engine 3 began a search of the building, with additional units assisting in clearing all three floors to locate the smoke source. Great Barrington responded with a ladder truck, two engines, and nine firefighters.

Mutual aid was provided by Monterey and Egremont Fire Departments, Southern Berkshire Ambulance, and the Great Barrington Fire Department Support Group. Sheffield Volunteer Hose Company #1 covered the Great Barrington station during the incident.

Search teams conducted multiple sweeps of the large commercial structure before finding the cause: books and papers left on a heater, which had begun to smolder. The materials were removed and extinguished. Firefighters faced a persistent smoke condition that proved difficult to track, as the cool, slow-moving smoke settled into multiple areas of the building.

Great Barrington Fire Chief Scott Turner expressed appreciation to the mutual aid companies and the Great Barrington Police Department for their assistance. He also reminded the community, “As cooler nights return and heating systems come back into use, it is important to ensure all heating equipment is clean, inspected, and clear of combustible materials to avoid similar incidents.”

The incident was brought under control, and all units returned to service by 10:20 a.m.