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State and local police and fire officials have been investigating the cause of the blaze since it erupted like a volcano, Friday, June 19, at 34 Valley View Ave.
The fire tore through the empty, sprawling mill complex, requiring the work of 120 emergency personnel to extinguish. A month later, the mill still smells like smoke.
The Arson Watch Reward Program is offering $5,000 to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the cause of the mysterious fire.
In particular, Arson Watch is seeking security or dashboard video was taken, 6-9 p.m. on June 19 along the following roadways:
Woronoco Road, Russell;
Route 20 West to the VFW, Russell;
Route 20 East to the Four Mile Store, Westfield;
Route 23 West to the Blandford town line.
The fire is considered suspicious.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-682-9229. The reward is being funded by an association of Massachusetts insurance companies.
The property belongs to Jacob Trudeau, of Pittsfield, purchased Mill Building #2 from Russell in 2019 for $15,000. Trudeau transferred the property to an LLC he manages, Strathmore Holdings, on July 24.
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