Posted on April 1, 2019
(photo): Reps Dauphinais and Hayes talk with Fire Marshal Randy Burchard regarding the recent fire that occurred at the Acme Cotton Mill.
KILLINGLY – State Representatives Anne Dauphinais (R-44) and Rick Hayes (R-51) spent Monday afternoon speaking with Killingly’s Fire Marshal and Town Manager about the recent fire that destroyed a local mill and to offer their support moving forward.
Both Dauphinais and Hayes joined Randy Burchard Town Fire Marshal and Mary Carlio Killingly Town Manager at the site to the former Acme Cotton Mill for an onsite evaluation and see the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
“I want to commend all of the fire departments who came together to not only keep this fire contained, but also for keeping the surrounding residents safe,” Rep. Dauphinais said. “A fire of any magnitude is awful and the timing of this one is frustrating given the redevelopment for this building was actively underway.”
“I want to do anything I possibly can to assist the Killingly Fire Marshal and the Town of Killingly,” Rep. Hayes said. “After having spent over thirty years as the Thompson Fire Marshal and with the Putnam Fire Department, I know first-hand the amount of work that goes into handling and working these types of incidents.”
The mill had recently been purchased and the development of this property was part of a larger economic project for the town of Killingly. Clean up of the property had been underway and plans for the mill included building several apartment type units. Additionally, there were hopes to retain the building over the water for restaurant or commercial possibilities.
Rep. Dauphinais said they have already reached out to DEEP regarding the cleanup.