Nov. 19--Fire swept through the Cooke House at Plimoth Plantation yesterday, severely damaging the replica Colonial-era building, the plantation said.
The museum was open but no one was in the house at the time and there were no injuries, said Robert Kluin, director of marketing and communications for Plimoth Plantation. It was the first fire in about 15 years in the village, he said.
"We're just thankful here that we're open and that no one was hurt," he said.
Kluin said the blaze began after one of the Colonial role players lit a fire in the fireplace. Flames leapt up the chimney and the thatched roof caught on fire, he said.
"The roof burned extensively and there was damage to the walls," Kluin said.
Plymouth Fire Department Battalion Chief Dean DelTorto said the call came in at 9:37 a.m. and fire was coming through the roof when firefighters arrived.
"You could see embers flying that way," he said.
DelTorto said the fire was under control in 30 minutes and was "not at all" suspicious.
@bostonherald.com
