Bernat Mill Fire

Another major landmark in our towns has migrated into history. The large Bernat Yarn Mill complex in Uxbridge center burned yesterday. Apparently, the fire started at about 4 a.m., the sprinkler alarm system went off alerting the fire and police. However, with the fire station located only about 1 block away, over 40 mutual aid town fire departments couldn't save the building. It is a total loss. This was one of the few mill buildings that had been a vibrant commercial complex with over 65 small businesses from antiques, yarn, quilt, crafts, tack, massage, floral and music shops, to light manufacturing, cafe and youth center. This morning, crews are still pouring water into the remains as there are hot spots errupting constantly. Oil-soaked floors, although beautifully refinished, still provided ample fuel. The center of town is still cordoned off, so we haven't had a chance to view it personally. All of our information has come from TV coverage, even though we're only about 2 miles away.

We knew something 'big was going down' when caravans of fire trucks passed by our house in the early hours of yesterday morning. Sirens could be heard coming from every direction. We could see the billowing clouds of black smoke all day long. Trucks continued to roll by, even as late at 3 p.m. I think newer teams were coming in to replace exhausted crews. It wasn't until around 9 a.m. that we got the word that it was the Bernat Mill building (there are other empty mill buildings in town that we suspected...not the occupied renovated one). That's a long time to see fire trucks continuing to roll by with no idea of just where they were headed. Tony did try to drive into Uxbridge around 8:30 a.m. but was turned back far to early to see what was going on.

You could see more pictures and video on the internet at www.bostonchannel.com or www.wbztv.com .