GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Money Management welcomes two new staff members to its Great Barrington office: Operations Support Partner Katrina Fitzpatrick and Front Office Coordinator Lusha Martin.
As Operations Support Partner, Katrina Fitzpatrick's goal is to continuously make Berkshire Money Management and its processes more efficient. She works closely with Chief Operating Officer Natalie Wheeler to assess company needs and identify opportunities for improvement – and develop strategies for addressing both.
Katrina is a graduate of Westfield State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business management with a concentration in finance and a minor in economics. Prior to joining Berkshire Money Management, Katrina worked as a Branch Specialist at Greylock Federal Credit Union. A lifelong resident of Monterey, Massachusetts, she enjoys adventures with her dog, Dusty, and spending quality time with friends and family.
As Front Office Coordinator, Lusha Martin manages the daily needs of Berkshire Money Management's Great Barrington office, welcomes clients and guests, and manages the phone lines for the Dalton and Great Barrington offices.
Before arriving at Berkshire Money Management, Lusha owned and operated Bakin' Bakery in Sheffield. She also brings more than two decades of experience in office management to the team and is in the process of earning an associate degree in business careers at Berkshire Community College. Outside the office, Lusha enjoys reading, gardening, spending time at home in Sheffield with her family and dog, and raising funds for various non-profit organizations including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lusha is a member of the Board of Directors for Stanton Home in Great Barrington.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Rain Slows Growth of Butternut Fire
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— Rain has slowed the Butternut Fire's growth but it's estimated at about 1,200 acres at this point.
"We want to start with some good news. Ground patrols are finding minimal new fire activity since this morning's rains began," the Great Barrington Fire Department posted on its Facebook page at 12:45 p.m..
"We want to reiterate that the rain will not extinguish the fire but it is helping to stop the spread. The weather has also delayed some of the drone operations — as a result we do not have an official size. What we do know — the growth has been minimal."
Fire Lt. Brian Mead earlier Thursday morning said the fire had seen some growth overnight but not to extent of Wednesday's surge. Fire was reported within a quarter mile of homes and was "stopped in its tracks." There are now more than 100 personnel on the ground and there has been one injury related to the fire, which he did not elaborate on.
"The rain will help to some extent but it will not extinguish the fire," said Mead. "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come but we still need your help. Please, please follow the local and state bans on outdoor fire. The last thing we need is another preventable fire."
At 4 p.m., the department reported that it will continue to operate under unified command with support from local, state, and federal agencies. Friday's operations will be scaled back with smaller crews and focused on monitoring and reporting.
At the last live update of the day, Mead said the fire would continue to be monitored and fire crews dispatched as needed.
"There is a lot of misinformation on out social media and we ask that you please, please rely on local official sites," he said. "Please avoid the areas and allow us to do our work."
The rain and smoke has made drone monitoring difficult so the exact size of the fire is not known; he estimated it grew about 100 acres over the past 24 hours.
Two rumors he dispelled were that the fire did not start at Camp Eisner. Mead said the initial location of the burn has not been identified but it did not start at the camp, which is occupied. Ski Butternut is also not in danger and that fire crews have kept the blaze to a safe distance.
A section of the Appalachian Trail has been affected and that area shut down.
Thursday's rain slowed growth and allowed crews to establish strong fire boundaries meaning that swaths have been cut and cleared to create fire breaks — which are holding.
At this time, no homes or structures are in immediate danger.
The fire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain was first reported Monday evening. On Tuesday, it spread over 100 acres, and on Wednesday, it covered over 1,100 acres, expanding into Sheffield.
The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.
Firefighters were dispatched to three locations for concerns of fire extension into homes and in one instance, the fire was allowed to continue in a controlled state to a driveway and self-extinguished. They are aware of one injury from the fire and urge community members to avoid the area and leave firefighting to the professionals.
"More than 120 personnel are on the ground today fighting this fire," Mead reported on Thursday morning.
He said the day’s rain will help to some extent but will not extinguish the fire, explaining "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come."
At this time, the primary focus remains the protection of life and property, as patrols and alert residents identified some encroaching fire and stopped it in its tracks.
"We have strategically placed structural task forces, prepared to protect homes and property. Although they are staged and at the ready — there is NO immediate threat to residents," the department wrote in the 12:45 update.
"At the same time, crews have been working through the rain cutting fire breaks in the forest to further stop any expansion. Those control lines are holding."
Area residents can expect smoke to linger for the next several days. The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative released guidance for the poor air quality, as it can worsen allergies and cause respiratory infections, especially for those with heart disease asthma, or other lung diseases.
Residents are urged to monitor air quality and symptoms, move outdoor activities inside, wear a KN-95 mask when outdoors, close windows and vents in homes, and use HEPA filters.
Even with recent rains — there is a burn ban in Great Barrington until further notice. Additionally, state officials are evaluating week by week for statewide bans.
"With an immense amount of appreciation, we are not accepting donations at this time. In true New England fashion — neighbors have truly helped neighbors," the department wrote. "We are grateful to the community for once again showing your support."
Mead urged the community to "please please follow the local and state bans on fire, the last thing we need is another preventable fire."
Rain has slowed the Butternut Fire's growth but it's estimated at about 1,200 acres at this point.
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The town is in a local state of emergency as responders work to calm a wildfire spread over 100 acres near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain. click for more
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