MILLERS FALLS — The fire at Whistle Stop Cafe last week that prompted a response from 14 fire departments and districts is suspected to have originated from electrical appliances on the left-hand side of the cafe, according to the state Department of Fire Services.
“Investigators have not reached a final determination as to how it started,” Department of Fire Services spokesperson Jake Wark cautioned, “but they’ve found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set and they’re looking at an accidental cause.”
The fire took place at 29 East Main St. in the early morning on March 18, displacing three tenants above the Whistle Stop Cafe. According to Turners Falls Fire Chief Todd Brunelle, a tenant from the apartments above the restaurant was alerted to the fire when the smoke detector sounded at approximately 1:06 a.m. The fire caused extensive damage within the cafe and spread into the second floor and attic of the mixed-use building.
In the aftermath of the fire, Element Brewing Co. is organizing a fundraiser to assist the displaced tenants, with a goal of raising between $1,500 and $2,000.
The fundraiser will be held on Friday, March 27. The brewery will donate 20% of all bar sales starting from 6 p.m. until closing, and will be collecting gift cards and cash donations. There will also be a raffle of locally donated items from area businesses, including Element.
This is a part of Element’s monthly Thankful Thursday series that started in 2023, where bar sales are donated to local causes. Although this is a Thursday-night series, co-owner Dan Kramer said the fundraiser for the displaced tenants will be held on Friday due to a previously scheduled event.
Kramer knew two of the tenants personally, and he said they lost all of their belongings, along with the third tenant. The money raised will be split between the three people.
“I really kind of view it as a way of paying back to the community,” Kramer said about Element Brewing Co.’s fundraising events. “We’ve been a part of the community for 16 years now, and they have all supported us and what we do, so we need to support the community when there’s a need in town.”