Today an accidental fire broke out at our Bemis Block affordable housing property located in downtown Hardwick in an apartment above the Galaxy Bookstore and Scale House Restaurant.

The fire was caused by a candle that got out of control in a resident’s apartment. Thankfully, the fire was immediately put out by sprinklers in the unit and did not spread beyond the apartment and through the building. Emergency crews arrived on site quickly, assessed the scene and turned the sprinkler system off when it appeared safe to do so. We are overwhelmingly relieved to share that nobody was hurt! There is substantial smoke and water damage in the unit where the fire occurred, and additional water damage within the Bemis Block building to two additional apartments, hallways, the basement, as well as the Galaxy Bookstore and Scale House restaurant.

LHP and our property management partner, Alliance Property Management, are working with the immediately affected households and businesses to make arrangements to get them what they need so that they can get back on their feet as quickly as possible. As of this afternoon, a building maintenance technician is meeting on site with the fire department, an insurer, and a restoration clean up company. The sprinkler system is being brought back online now.

At this point in time, we don’t have any additional updates. We are endlessly grateful that nobody was hurt, and for the quick action and professionalism of the emergency crews, our property management partner, and the insurance professionals. Thank you to our thoughtful friends and community partners for reaching out and offering kind words of support. We will share more information as we learn more and are able to do so. Photo: Bemis Block (not taken today.)