UXBRIDGE, Mass. --
Firefighters in the central Massachusetts town of Uxbridge battled an eight-alarm fire in a renovated mill building Saturday. So much water was used that residents have been told to expect low water pressure for several days and an ban on outdoor watering has been imposed.
The fire burned in the Bernat Mill complex in Uxbridge Center on Depot Road. Witnesses said thick, black smoke billowing from the complex could be seen for miles.
More than forty-five surrounding towns from two states sent men and equipment to help.
Uxbridge Fire Chief Peter Ostroskey said the fire broke out around 4 a.m.
"It's certainly extraordinary for the town of Uxbridge," Ostroskey said. A large amount of cooking oil was stored in the building, adding to the combustible material inside the 350,00 square foot complex.
The mill complex, along the Blackstone River, was built in the 1820s and once produced yarn and fabric. During World War II, it made fabric for Army uniforms. Since the 1990s, it has housed about 65 small businesses, art galleries and a youth center.
"It's a shame to see this happen. This mill has been around forever," one resident told NewsCenter 5's Jim Morelli.
The EPA is monitoring air quality in the area, but reported nothing unhealthful in the air Saturday evening. Several firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation, but no serious injuries were reported.
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