Photos by Richard Stevenson, Concord resident.

On Thursday evening, May 4th, the professional building at 747 Main Street had a devastating 8-alarm fire. Spreading quickly through the main, older part of the building, it brought firefighters from 20 Massachusetts communities to help fight the blaze.

By Friday morning -- when these photos were taken -- the building was still smoldering. The main part was to a great extent destroyed, the smaller annex largely intact though water and smoke damaged.

Approximately 50 tenants -- physicians, psychologists, dentists, technology and other businesses -- were displaced. Luckily, the annex was saved by a firewall between the two, and is expected to be habitable in a few weeks.

State Rep. Cory Atkins, Sen. Susan Fargo, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Authority (MEMA), Concord's selectmen, fire and police officials, Concord's Neighborhood Network, and many individual residents and businesses are helping the tenants recover from their losses. Shared office space, sympathetic ears, willing hands, and donated food and drink are helping the businesses and health practitioners Concord relies upon get back to work again as quickly as possible.

Click on photos for larger view.

Fireweed Background: Though Americans often associate this plant with the far west of this country, Fireweed grows in the wild in New England, too, as well as throughout the rest of the US, save the southeast. It is also found in Canada and Europe. This plant is often the first one to grow on the scorched land after a fire, starting the process of renewal. Drawing: ArtToday

Text: ©2000 The Concord, MA Homepage
Photos: ©2000 Richard Stevenson