Home»Fires 2012»Athol Ma - 4 Alarms - January 19 2012

Mike and I were a little hesitant to take this fire in because of the snow moving in but off we went. The fire was in the former N.D.Cass Company which manufactured toys. The building which was equivalent of two city blocks, was completely destroyed by the fire. Many of the houses that surrounded the property suffered minor damage from the intense heat.

N.D. Cass closed in 1997 and the three-story building was being used for storage at the time of the fire. The chief stated to the press that, although he was familiar with the layout of the building, there was no question of fighting the fire from inside. The floors are impregnated with lacquer and paint used in manufacturing. The chief immediately ordered firefighters to set up outside and try to contain the fire.

More than 100 firefighters from 15 departments helped at the fire scene or covering Athol's station. The N.D. Cass Co. closed in 1997. Chief Lozier said the factory was over 100 years old. It was built in 1896 and continue to serve as a toy factory until 1997.

One firefighter sustained a minor leg injury due to a fall on the ice.

On the photos -it was snowing pretty good up there. Flash photography was a project. I was able to take some good available light shots. Hope you enjoy