Historic Berkshire inn destroyed in five-alarm blaze

"There was heavy fire showing when firefighters arrived, and flames were shooting out the windows," said Coan. Fire departments from across south Berkshire County responded to the blaze, along with firefighters from New York and Connecticut. It took several hours to bring the blaze under control.

Coan said there was a minor injury to one firefighter, and the building was a total loss. He said the building had a fire alarm system but no sprinklers.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the marshal's office and local police.

Coan said the inn was only open for dinner this time of the season and had no overnight guests.

Selectman Richard Burdsall said the historic inn had been around since before the American Revolution.

He said the inn's destruction would have "a significant impact on the town because it was a very congenial gathering place for locals and tourists who were repeat guests and came back for vacation. "It's a heartfelt loss for all of us who live here."

The cold weather made the streets around the inn very slippery, as water from the firefighters' hoses quickly turned into ice. People were being kept away from the area, Burdsall said.

Burdsall thanked the crews from other communities that joined in fighting the fire.

"The cooperation and the providing of different pieces of equipment was absolutely amazing, and the town of Egremont is very grateful for help," Burdsall said.