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Date: 9/20/2022
EASTHAMPTON – The August fire of the Tavern on the Hill restaurant is still an open investigation according to Fire Chief Chris Norris.
Following investigation from local fire officials, the fire marshal is now participating in an ongoing investigation to finalize the cause of the fire. The restaurant along Route 141 on Mount Tom that overlooks Easthampton was reported on fire late at night by a passing motorist.
The fire caused several hundred thousand dollars in structural damage to the restaurant’s outdoor deck and an external wall and support frames. The entire interior was ruled to be cleaned our due to smoke damage.
According to Norris the fire is being considered accidental and originated on the outside deck near a meat smoker. The answer to this will be released when the investigation is concluded.
“Right now, the owners have their insurance company involved with that as well and we’re working in collaboration with the State Fire Marshal’s office to finalize the cause of that fire and it’s yet to be officially determined,” said Norris.
Norris added this as well as other official findings will come out with the conclusion of the investigation as this process is still ongoing due to the severity of the damage.
“It already was a pretty substantial fire that created a significant amount of damage. So, it’s a pretty intense investigation to ensure that it’s done properly,” Norris said.