Pierce Builders Already Rebuilding

There are some silver linings that came out of the dark cloud/smoke from the fire that torched three large vehicle bays and partially damaged another at at 522 Salmon Brook St. on Nov. 11.

The most obvious piece of good news is that no one was injured that required the response of firefighters from six towns.

But, as Brian Pierce, co-owner of Pierce Builders, said in a telephone interview Thursday morning, there were several other positive things that transpired since the fire, not least of which was that the construction company has already started rebuilding the lost bays.

“We’re putting it back up,” Pierce said. “We built it the first time [in 1983]. We’ll build it a second time.”

One saving grace that enabled the company to quickly start erecting the framing was that the cause of the fire - an electrical short in the machinery of one of the bays - was captured on by a video surveillance camera.

“Because of that, we were able to move ahead faster because the fire marshal didn’t need an investigation,” Pierce said. “The walls are up now and we’re putting in tresses over the weekend. My goal is to have the building enclosed by winter.”

Another piece of good news was that the firewall installed in the bays did its job, according to Pierce, which kept the entire structure from burning to the ground. As such, the building’s offices as well as two and a half bays were salvaged.

The bay that was partially damaged was leased by .

In light of the losses, Pierce said that he has received overwhelming support from the community.

“All the help we’ve been getting from friends and local people has been amazing,” Pierce said. “Our phones have been ringing off the hook. The next day, people were bringing us food, keeping the guys working. Everybody has been great.”

Pierce also credited his 24 employees, whom he described as “great.”

“On Saturday, everybody showed up and was ready to go,” Pierce said.

Although Pierce could not provide an estimate as to how much the damage would cost, Superintendent of Schools Alan Addley said that the fire cost the school district over $300,000 due to the loss of five vehicles and other equipment, including snow blowers.

The Granby school district leased from Pierce two full bays - or four garages - that were .

The school district, according to Addley, is insured for much of the losses.

“We have a plan in place, and we’re up and running,” Addley said. “It has been interesting.”

As for Pierce, Addley had nothing but praise for the construction company that has been in Granby for over a quarter of a century.

“Pierce have been staunch supporters of Granby schools for many years,” Addley said.