'Today' Show Visiting Stockbridge

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Look out for lights and cameras as NBC's "Today" show previews the famed Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas event.
 
The morning show will be at the Red Lion Inn on Friday morning as part of its "Merriest Main Street" holiday feature. According to the Stockbridge Chamber of Commerce, this visit kicks off the third season of the series. 
 
Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas is inspired by Norman Rockwell's 1967 "Home for Christmas." The painting, at the Normal Rockwell Museum, shows the south side of Main Street from the 250-year-old Red Lion Inn to the library.
 
It's a snowy day with Christmas decorations, the shops are lighted and people are shopping. The inn is dark, as it was operated seasonally at the time. 
 
Every year, the scene is recreated along that part of the street — which is not much changed since 1967. The Red Lion Inn won't be dark but decorated for the holidays. 
 
The recreation is set for Sunday this year from noon to 2, but events celebrating the holiday season start on Friday. 
 
The chamber is inviting residents and visitors to come to the front of the inn in festive attire for the morning show. 
 
The "Today" crew is expected to arrive at 7:30 a.m. and go live at 8:25. The interview will only be a couple minutes with wrap up by 8:35. The interview will also be on NBC Channel 10 in Boston. 
 
"The live broadcast will showcase the charm of Stockbridge's Main Street and the community's holiday spirit," the chamber wrote in its newsletter on Wednesday. 
 
More information and tickets for Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas can be found here.
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Butternut Fire Command Terminated After 2 Weeks

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — After about two weeks of working to contain the Butternut Fire, the incident command has ended.

"I am extremely proud of the leadership and firefighters that put forth such extraordinary work to bring this incident to a close," Town Manager Mark Pruhenski said in a press release issued on Sunday.

"It has been a long time since Great Barrington has seen such an incident, the collaboration between all of the agencies was impressive."

On Sunday around 2 p.m., Fire Chief Scott Turner made the decision because "based on weather changes, fuel conditions, and the monumental work of our firefighters and mutual aid, the fire is clearly under control and not expected to spread any further."

He added that Great Barrington's homes and businesses are safe. The wooded area is expected to remain dangerous for months but should regenerate in the spring.

The fire spread because of the extremely dry conditions over the past few months; some rain the week before followed by snow and sleet over the holiday had helped with containment efforts.

Personnel and apparatuses that had been in place 24/7 since Nov. 18 were released but the department will remain ready to respond to any extension or minor growth.

The fire consumed 1,670 acres, spanning over 3 miles in length with a perimeter of more than 10 miles.  Fire Lt. Brian Mead said the wildfire's potential for devastation far exceeded what firefighters were able to contain and not a single home or structure was damaged nor firefighter injured.

"At the end of an incident of this magnitude that has such risk, that is without a doubt, a victory," he said.

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