Senator Cathy Cook, R-Mystic, early this morning met with Plainfield officials to discuss what types of state assistance might be necessary to deal with the aftermath yesterday’s fire at the former InterRoyal Mill, and to promise she will work with them to secure that assistance.

“This is absolutely devastating for the town, and for the many families that had to be evacuated. Of course, the first thing is ensuring everyone’s immediate safety. After that comes cleaning up the site, providing for everyone’s long-term safety, and deciding what other needs there are. Local officials, and the hundreds of volunteer firefighters and others who responded, did a terrific job. Without them, what we have to deal with today would be a lot different, and a lot worse. We owe them our heartfelt thanks. Now, we deal with the aftermath, what we need now and what we will need in the foreseeable future. That is where I can help,” said Senator Cook.

Senator Cook said she met early today with several local officials, including Plainfield First Selectman Donald Gladding, Police Chief Gary Sousa and Fire Chief Leo Berube. She also met with federal EPA officials and state DEP officers at the site of the fire, including those staffing the mobile laboratory being used by the state Department of Environmental Protection to test air quality and check for contaminants.

“Of course, the first job is to secure the site to keep people away from the burned out building and surrounding area. The fire officials are warning the public against touching any of the building’s shingles or other debris they might find in yards or on roofs because of the dangers of asbestos or other contaminants. And, we’ll be working together to provide whatever assistance may be needed by the families that were evacuated last night,” said Senator Cook.

Senator Cook noted that the InterRoyal Mill fire is the fourth mill fire that has occurred in her district in the past several years and, as a result, she has become knowledgeable about helping to determine, and to secure, the types of state assistance that might be needed. Each fire was devastating to its community – the Ashland Mill fire in Jewett City, the Baltic Mill fire in Sprague, the Monsanto mill fire in Stonington, and yesterday’s InterRoyal fire.

“Dealing with the aftermath of this fire will be very difficult for the town, and its residents. I wanted to offer my condolences, and my help, as soon as possible. And, once again, I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration and thanks for all of the people, including the volunteer firefighters from so many communities, who responded. You are wonderful,” said Senator Cook.