Westford police and fire departments, along with the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's office, are investigating a fire that broke out shortly after midnight Saturday in the former Sargent Mill on Broadway, according to Fire Chief Richard Rochon.
The building now houses businesses like the Finer Consigner furniture reseller, Debbie's Cuddles & Bubbles pet grooming salon and Tri-Jay Inc., a precision metal fabricator.
"The sprinkler system was partially impaired but it did help contain the fire until firefighters arrived," said Rochon.
Firefighters extinguished a couple of fires housed in one particular business, according to Rochon, after the electricity and gas utilities were shut off to ensure their safety.
Rochon would not name the business or elaborate on the cause of the fire due to the ongoing investigation. Westford Police Sgt. Victor Neal confirmed that police are investigating an attempted breaking and entering at the building, as reported in police logs.
Rochon indicated that there was more water damage than fire damage.
"We had to ensure that the fires were out before shutting off sprinkler systems," said Rochon. "Just being an old mill, it's hard to maneuver around there."
Dennis Jewett, co-owner of Tri-Jay Inc., was not able to begin assessing the damage to his property and equipment until Mass Electric restored power around 12:30 p.m. on Monday.
"We haven't seen an insurance adjuster yet," said Jewett, noting that the majority of the damage was due to the water from the sprinkler system of the business above Tri-Jay. "It's been 24 hours since we called."
Jewett initially thought the majority of the water came down into the loading dock area but discovered water in other small areas causing electrical and machinery damage.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Jewett's business was only partially functioning.
"We've got machines running but my critical machine is still down," said Jewett. "The technician is here and I've got a rope around his neck. He can't leave until he gets the machine running."