Taunton Fire Department gets four-alarm fire in commercial building under control

TAUNTON — Chief Timothy J. Bradshaw reports that the Taunton Fire Department and mutual aid partners battled a four-alarm fire in a commercial building adjacent to the Mill River.

On Saturday, at approximately 4 a.m., Taunton firefighters responded to multiple fire alarm activations at 4 Spring Lane, an approximately 29,000-square-foot mill building that was built in 1900.

The building was recently being used as a music rehearsal area.

Companies arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing on arrival, and immediately began a search of the building, established water supply and began an interior attack on the fire.

Additional alarms were struck as the fire spread, and firefighters were forced to evacuate the building and begin an exterior attack on the fire. The building’s location adjacent to the Mill River, as well as fire conditions, made fully accessing the building difficult.

There are no reported injuries.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 12:30 p.m., but companies are expected to remain on scene for hours wetting down and overhauling the building. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area.

The cause is under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department, with assistance from the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

The Berkley, Lakeville, Bridgewater, Raynham and Rehoboth Fire Departments provided mutual aid at the scene, and the North Attleboro, Somerset, Easton and Norton Fire Departments covered Taunton stations.

In November of 2021, Mass Music Complex Rehearsal Studio, who once resided in the building, issued the following statement on social media.

“Mass Music complex is no longer owned or operated by Joel Hopkins of Red Devil Studios. The building was purchased by a new owner in April 2021. Due to the volatile and corrupted nature of the new owner, the rehearsal business known as MASS MUSIC COMPLEX was forced to permanently close. It no longer exists, therefore, this page will be removed.”

“We do not recommend renting for any purpose at this location. The owner of the building has created a hostile and dangerous environment for renters. There is a significant risk of theft by owner and others who freely enter and roam the building. There have been several incidents requiring police intervention with ongoing surveillance. The condition of the building is in violation of building code and worsening with time. We suggest practicing due diligence before considering a rental.

We have no plans at this time to open a rehearsal studio at another location, but if the opportunity arises, we will get in touch with former clients.”