By KENNEDY GRIFFIN

Update – Photos from this morning, Monday June 6th, of the aftermath of the destructive fire on West River Street in Orange this weekend.

(Orange, MA) *2nd Update 5:30 a.m. June 5th* Orange and Erving Fire Departments are still on scene with hotspots. There have been no firefighter injuries. South Main Street has been reopened, but use caution as there may be personnel and equipment in the area. The detour around West River Street is still in effect and will remain so until further notice.

The Orange Fire Rescue EMS would like anyone with information or tips about the fire on West River Street to contact the arson hotline at 1-800-682-9229, the Orange Police Department by way of Shelburne Control dispatch at 978-544-2128. There is a $5,000 reward.

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*Update* Over 20 area fire, police, and EMS departments assisted with the fire including Gardner, Athol, Warwick, Turners Fall, Northfield, Templeton, and others. Ashfield, Colrain, and Charlemont Fire Departments covered calls out of Turners Falls Fire Department that was used for “regional coverage.”

According the Gardner Fire Department, the fire spread to at least four other buildings and had a full department recall. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services sent a Hazmat Unit for air monitoring, an Incident Support Unit, and a Rehab unit.

Two minor injuries were treated on scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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The Old Fire Cereal Factory building at 16 West River Street in Orange has been on fire since about 11 a.m. this morning, Saturday June 4th. The fire is at a 5th+ alarm call, according to the Colrain Firefighter’s Association who is currently covering central Franklin County while many area fire departments assist Orange Fire Rescue EMS. Orange Fire is asking people to avoid the area.

Local residents are reporting power outages and fire debris such as chunks of ash in their yards and on the streets.

On March 29th of this year, the Town of Orange closed West River Street in the area of the Old Cereal Factory Building due to structural concerns.

More information to follow.