Lop Notes: Bell Factory Destroyed in East Hampton, CT, Fire

In a major fire that may have been started by a lightning strike, the nineteenth century factory of Bevin Brothers Manufacturing, 10 Bevin Road, East Hampton, CT, was destroyed on the weekend of 26-27 May. The structure also housed PSI Plus, a cylinder manufacturing company.

The initial alarm was transmitted at approximately 2335 hours on Saturday, 26 May. The East Hampton Fire Department was assisted by companies from a number of communities, including Colchester, Durham, Essex, Glastonbury, Haddam, Marlborough, and Middletown.

The company is considered to be the last company in the U.S. that manufactures only bells. It has been in business since 1832.

Media reports:

WFSB-TV: Residents allowed outside after factory fire (27 MAY 12)

East Hampton-Portland Patch: Fire Destroys Bevin Bell Factory (27 MAY 12)

East Hampton-Portland Patch: Bevin Bell Factory Fire Update (27 MAY 12)

Hartford Courant: Fire Destroys Iconic East Hampton Bell Factory (28 MAY 12)

Middletown Press: Major blaze destroys Bevin Bell Factory building in East Hampton (28 MAY 12)

Middletown Press: Officials tour destroyed Bevin Bell Factory in East Hampton (28 MAY 12)

WFSB-TV: Residents try to cope with loss of Bevin Bell Factory (28 MAY 12)

Hartford Courant: Lightning Likely Caused Bevin Bros. Fire (29 MAY 12)

Middletown Press: East Hampton officials to do 'whatever they can' to help Bevin Brothers Bell Company rebuild after fire (30 MAY 12)

WVIT-TV: Lightning May Have Sparked Factory Fire (30 MAY 12)