Hemlock Building at Crotched Mountain School will be destroyed for fire training

As part of renovations at Crotched Mountain School & Village in Greenfield, a program of Seven Hills New Hampshire, the Hemlock Building, which was once a daycare for employees of the Crotched Mountain School, will be destroyed Sunday, Sept. 24 at 8 a.m.

Crotched Mountain School & Village will be working with the Greenfield Fire Department, along with neighboring fire departments from Lyndeborough, Hancock and Rindge, to have a controlled burn of the Hemlock building. This will afford these departments the ability to offer mutual aid response training for their firefighters. Firefighters will be able to train in a controlled environment that simulates the challenges they face during structure fires.

“This collaboration will not only enhance firefighting skills but will also foster a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility,” stated Joe Allred, vice president of Seven Hills New Hampshire. "We are thrilled to partner with our local fire departments to repurpose the Hemlock Building for such a vital training opportunity. This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a safer community while maximizing the potential of our resources. It is a true win-win situation for all involved.”