On August 3, 1999, at approximately 4:30PM, the Grafton Fire Department responded to a call later deemed as suspected arson at the Fisherville Mill in South Grafton. Within minutes of their arrival, the abandoned mill was fully engulfed and the column of smoke could be seen from as far away as Framingham.

Debris from this fire was reported to have been starting brush fires up to 2 ½ miles away from the fire scene. It was estimated that as many as 250 firefighters were at the scene, assisted by over 100 support personnel.

Fire crews from Ashland, Auburn, Foxboro, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Leicester, Marlboro, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Oxford, Sherborn, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Westboro, Worcester and the State Forestry Department and Providence, RI worked with Grafton firefighters to subdue the blaze.

Representatives from the Fire Marshall's Office, as well as agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating this suspicious fire. There were numerous reports of three juveniles seen leaving the fire scene shortly before the fire broke out. There is a $5,000 reward for any individual that can provide information towards the arrest and prosecution of the individuals responsible for this inferno. The arson hotline is 1-800-682-9229.

Fisherville Mills has always been a significant historic site but was slated for EPA clean-up due to chemical pollution. The Central Massachusetts Economic Development Authority, which currently owns the site, has plans to continue to pursue clean-up efforts at the site.

Fisherville Mill photos courtesty of The Grafton Fire Department.

To view post-fire pictures, Go Here