Forensic Excavation Begins On Natick Center Fire Site

NATICK, MA — Excavation started on the Natick Center site where eight businesses burned down in July. The businesses, all located either on South Main Street and between Pond Street and West Central Street, were completely leveled by an eight alarm fire that smoldered for a full day. The storeowners who lost their shops that day are still picking up the pieces months later.

The town announced on Tuesday that excavators would be at the site throughout the week and residents have shared photos and videos of the construction crews at the burned down lot. The town has been working closely with the landowner and the displaced businesses as they navigate insurance companies.

The cause of the fire has not yet been declared, but residents are hopeful the excavation, which is said to be for forensic purposes, will bring some much needed answers.

Since the fire, the small business community and local nonprofits like the Natick Center Cultural District and state officials, including Governor Charlie Baker, are pitching in to help the store owners start over. A $400,000 emergency loan fund for businesses directly impacted by the fire was opened by Gov. Baker. The Natick Center Cultural District raised over $25,000 and expects the number to rise.

Some storefronts are already making plans to relocate and keeping their businesses running in the meantime, like Metro Pets, which was located next door to the 7 South Main St. Chinese restaurant that caught fire in July. MetroPets owner Jill Hourihan told Patch she is excited and ready to move her business into a new location and show the community it's better than ever.