Fire Hits Massachusetts Wholesaler

Jennifer Zurko

Massachusetts grower/retailer Cavicchio Greenhouses suffered a major late-night fire late May 11 that damaged or destroyed an estimated 30% of their greenhouse space. Fire investigators say a malfunction in a tractor parked in one of the greenhouses smoldered for hours, then burst into flames, triggering the blaze that caused as much as $5 million in damage.

Sudbury Fire Chief Kenneth MacLean and state Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said firefighters from 12 surrounding communities helped Sudbury firefighters subdue the fire, hampered by wind, lack of easy access to enough water, and the presence of huge amounts of hot- and toxic-burning fertilizer.

Cavicchio’s provides landscaping supplies, flowers, grasses and herbs to New England businesses including garden centers, golf courses and landscape architects.  GT