Vermont state fire investigators are still working to determine what sparked a blaze that destroyed the historic Brooks House complex on Main street in Brattleboro Sunday.
In this April 17, 2011 photo released by the Brattleboro Fire Department, firefighters battle flames at a fire in Brattleboro, Vt. Police say there were no apparent injuries in the fire in a Brattleboro building that had 59 residential units. (AP Photo/Brattleboro Fire Department, Jason Henske)BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP) — Main Street in the Vermont town of Brattleboro remained closed to traffic Monday while officials assessed the damage to the historic Brooks House building that was heavily damaged by an overnight fire.
It appears that 53 of the 59 residences in the five-story building were occupied, although it's unclear how many people were left homeless by the fire, which was reported at about 8:45 p.m. Sunday, officials said.
The fire was discovered on the fourth floor and it spread to the fifth. Fire Departments and emergency crews from New Hampshire and Massachusetts also responded to the fire, which was not fully contained until 6 a.m.
Fire crews remained on the scene throughout the day.
This image submitted by MassLive visitor Tim Sanborn shows the various fire departments still on the scene on Main street in Brattleboro early Monday morning. "It's a really tough blow for Brattleboro," said Gov. Peter Shumlin, who toured the scene Monday.
"Initially there was talk of tearing the structure down, but the governor and others urged the owner to keep the building intact and seriously focus on renovating the historic structure, which has a brick exterior," said Shumlin spokeswoman Susan Allen, who visited with him.
State housing and development officials were in Brattleboro to help determine the extent of the damage and the options for redevelopment and finding the displaced residents places to live, Allen said.
Three firefighters were treated for minor injuries. Shumlin called it "extraordinary" that no one inside was injured.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
This undated postcard shows the Brooks House building back when it was the largest hotels in New England.Main Street between the Junction and the Municipal Center will remain closed until the structural analysis is complete. High and Elliott Streets, from Main Street to east of the Harmony Lot, are also closed.
Pedestrian traffic along these routes is also restricted. Parking in the area is limited and the Harmony Lot is closed.
Due to the high volume of water utilized to fight the fire citizens may notice a decrease in water pressure.