Plumbing, electrical crews on site at Senior Center fire scene
Updated 12:37 p.m.
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TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: December 15, 2009
MONTPELIER -- The fire that damaged the Senior Activity Center on Barre Street is not evident from the front of the building. There are open windows on the second floor, and "do not cross" yellow and red plastic tape preventing anyone from approaching the building.
But around to the side evidence of the fire is clear. Windows are broken on the side of the building, and smoke damage has darkened the outside brick wall of the building.
A large opening -- what appears to have been a large door of some sort -- is gone, and stacks of metal chairs are visible inside.
A small pile of charred wood beams is stacked outside the building on the side driveway.
The playground behind the building appears untouched by the fire.
Fire officials say the blaze was reported at about 11:45 p.m. last night.
City Manager William Fraser, in an e-mail sent today to City Council members, called last night's fire serious, and said there has been no cause determined at this point.
"The fire damage is limited to the lower back corner with structural damage to the floor above which partially collapsed," Fraser wrote. He said the building is insured for $1,833,500 and contents for $100,000, and noted that the insurance company had been notified.
The center is closed and all activities canceled.
The Times Argus will update this story later today if warranted. For more on the story, see tomorrow's newspaper.