(Photo: Zachary P. Stephens/Reformer) BRATTLEBORO – Firefighters remain on the scene Monday afternoon after a six-alarm fire gutted most of the Brooks House building on Main Street late Sunday night. The blaze began at about 8:45 p.m., according to firefighters at the scene. The flames seemed to subside for a time, but flared up again at about 10:35 p.m., prompting all firefighters to be evacuated from the building. The fire was contained at approximately 6 a.m. this morning, according to a release from the Town Manager’s Office. “No residents were injured during the blaze, but three firefighters were taken to the hospital and released.” According to the release, the building suffered extensive damage and will remain closed until a structural analysis has been completed. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time but State Fire Investigators are in route to begin an investigation. The five-story building, located at the corner of High Street, houses a total of 59 residential units in addition to several businesses. Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin visited the site Monday morning and spoke to members of the media on Main Street, which has been closed since the blaze erupted. Jennifer Hollar, Deputy Commissioner of Economic, Housing and Community Affairs, accompanied the governor. Until the structural analysis is complete, Main Street — between lower Main Street and the Municipal Center — will remain closed. High and Elliot streets, from Main Street to east of the Harmony Lot, are also closed. Pedestrian traffic along these routes is also restricted. Parking in the area is limited and Harmony Lot is closed. Due to the high volume of water utilized to fight the fire citizens may notice a decrease in water pressure.”
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