Overview
- The three-story mixed-use building at 72 Main St., home to Turtle Tavern with apartments above, was destroyed by a Monday evening fire.
- Police entered first and evacuated at least six adults and two children, and one officer was injured during the rescues.
- Fire Chief Mark Nelson declared the structure a total loss, and demolition of the remains began Tuesday.
- Crews faced limited staffing because half the on-duty shift was handling a Route 495 crash, and they stretched lines to distant hydrants to secure adequate water.
- The multigenerational owners, who recently renovated the bar, say they plan to rebuild as residents rally to support displaced tenants and the business.