Springfield, MA, Dec. 16, 2004 – More than 135 firefighters and 29 fire companies from 13 communities battled a four-alarm blaze at the vacant American Bosch factory, straddling the line of Springfield and Chicopee. The first units on scene, dispatched at 4:13 P.M., reported heavy smoke and fire conditions. Hydrant malfunction, structural deterioration, collapse, security windows and doors hampered entry to the four-story, 100-year-old building, deeming it unsafe for firefighters. Offensive maneuvers quickly turned defensive, and aerial ladders protected exposures in the north, south and west sides of the building.
Just before midnight, firefighters brought the fire under control, but minor explosions and high winds accelerated the previously darkened-down conditions. The fire spread through the remainder of the building, racing through abandoned scuttles and engulfing upper levels. Officials repositioned apparatus with a concentrated effort on the north end of the four-acre building. Firefighters fought with winds to their faces, holding back flames by Buxton Leather Goods, on the northwest corner.
The fire sent cinders miles away, sparking numerous brushfires and calls in three towns. The scent of burning plastic was detected as far as 20 miles north. Over 200 employees of the Baystate Medical’s information and telephone services unit were evacuated due to smoke conditions and close proximity to the Bosch facility. American Red Cross workers were on scene to assist citizens and firefighters through the night.
The blaze, burning 24 hours after the first alarm sounded, destroyed nearly 100% of the historic building. Firefighters were still on scene well into the next day dousing hot spots. With Springfield and Chicopee initially on scene, mutual aid came from Agawam, Amherst, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Granby, Holyoke, Northampton, South Hadley, Southwick, Westfield, Westover Air Reserve and West Springfield. Later reports showed the fire started in the rear of the building and worked its way to the front. The cause is unknown and under investigation. No injuries were reported.
The Bosch Magneto Co. opened in 1912, making motors for vehicles and aircraft. It became American Bosch after World War I, employing over 2,000 people. During World War II, the company received defense contracts from the U.S. government and later changed hands. After multiple mergers, United Technologies Corp. closed the factory in 1986.
“Hot Spots on the Web”
This month’s focus: Fire department profiles
- Eliot, ME, Fire & Rescue
About the department, stations and more.
Site of the month...
- Mountville, PA, Fire Company 1
Comprehensive site with live WebCAD, statistics, Amber Alert and more.
Submitted by Deputy Chief Charles Werner
Charlottesville, VA, Fire Department
Visit our site: www.cfdonline.org
Contributing Editor, Firehouse® Magazine
TechZone Editor, Firehouse.com
