the 06/12/2008

9-alarm blaze destroys Holyoke paper mill

 from the mill A nine-alarm fire has destroyed a historic vacant papermill in Holyoke. Deputy Chief Robert Authier says about 80 firefighters from Holyokeand surrounding communities battled the blaze at the Parsons PaperCo. that was first reported at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday. Firefighters were still at the scene on Tuesday morning. The 313,000-square foot building took up an entire city block. Authier says he has not heard of any injuries. Parsons Paper opened in the city and 1853. The plant closed in2005, and the city has been engaged with the current owner,National Vulcanized Fiber Co., in efforts to recover more than $1.8million in back taxes owed the city. Authier says the state Fire Marshal and the Holyoke Arson Squad areinvestigating.