Greenhouse fire caused by tractor malfunction

Fire at Cavicchio Greenhouses causes over $4 million in damage


A fire at Cavicchio Greenhouses in Sudbury, Mass., on May 11, has been estimated to have caused $4.5 million in damage. The state fire marshal and the Sudbury fire chief said the fire was caused by a malfunctioning tractor that smoldered for hours and then spread to the greenhouses. The fire was detected around midnight.
The wholesale grower operates 8 acres of greenhouses and 200 acres of outdoor production. Officials said they were able to save 70% of the business. About 120,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses were damaged or destroyed.
“The regional hazardous materials team responded because of the special hazards associated with commercial garden centers in order to protect the environment and the firefighters engaged in suppression,” said Sudbury Fire Chief Kenneth MacLean.
NECN reported that firefighters from 13 communities battled the 5-alarm fire, which was brought under control around 4 a.m. No injuries were reported.
 
Pictured: An early morning fire on May 11 at Cavicchio Greenhouses impacted about 120,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses and caused about $4.5 million in damage.