Business & Tech

Brookline Businesses Still Await Reopening Months After Fire: Report

The structure sustained damage after a fire in January.

BROOKLINE, MA — Five months after a fire forced two Washington Square businesses to close, owners are still struggling with insurance claims and electrical issues that have delayed their return, according to a report from Brookline.News.

The January fire started in the basement of Painted Burro and spread to neighboring wine shop Vinodivino. While firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no injuries were reported, both businesses remain closed months later.

Ownership said ongoing insurance disputes and delays restoring electrical service have complicated recovery efforts. The prolonged closures have also created financial challenges for the businesses and their employees.

Find out what's happening in Brooklinefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Painted Burro had initially hoped to reopen sooner after the fire, but significant repair work remains before customers can return.

Investigators previously said the fire did not appear suspicious. Much of the damage was concentrated in the basement area where the fire originated.

Find out what's happening in Brooklinefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The closures continue to impact Washington Square, where residents and customers are awaiting updates on when the businesses will reopen.

Read more at Brookline.News.

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