Greenhouse fire in Deerfield may have started with extension cord, chief says

Firefighters extinguish a greenhouse fire on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters extinguish a greenhouse fire on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

A fire damaged a greenhouse on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon.

A fire damaged a greenhouse on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

People use hoses to help extinguish a greenhouse fire on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon.

People use hoses to help extinguish a greenhouse fire on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Firefighters extinguish a greenhouse fire on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon.

Firefighters extinguish a greenhouse fire on Jones Road in Deerfield on Tuesday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

Staff Writer

Published: 03-11-2025 6:12 PM

Modified: 03-12-2025 8:19 AM


DEERFIELD — Fire Chief Daren Melnik said he believes a faulty extension cord may be responsible for a greenhouse fire on Jones Road Tuesday afternoon.

No injuries were reported after firefighters from Deerfield, South Deerfield, Greenfield and Whately quickly extinguished the fire at Open Palm Farm, owned by farmer Dave Grace.

“If [an extension cord] looks frayed or damaged, don’t take the risk of it causing a fire,” Melnik said, cautioning community members.

While a significant portion of the greenhouse’s plastic roof had burned off, Grace said it did not contain any crops at the time of the fire.

Grace added that he was working in the barn and saw the fire shortly after it ignited. Firefighters responded at around 4:30 p.m.

“All the plastic has to go, but we’re just counting our blessings that we were out here and it didn’t spread to the house or anything else,” Grace said. “The Fire Department was so prompt and efficient, which we really appreciate.”

Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at acammalleri@recorder.com or 413-930-4429.

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