Our pal CNY blogger NYCO has broken the story in the comments: the F.X. Matter Brewery in Utica caught fire late this afternoon. WSYR TV, the source of the photo, reports:
Fire crews in Utica are battling a fire at the F.X. Matt Brewery, also known as the Saranac Brewery. It reportedly started around 5:15 p.m. The Utica Fire Department says the brewery is "fully involved." A brewery spokesperson says the bottling building is the building on fire. It's about three city blocks long. Court Street outside the brewery has been shut down. Large plumes of smoke can be seen rising from the building.There is fear of a building collapse according to officials on the scene. This does not only affect Matt's own brewing lines including the very successful Saranac brand but also the contract brews like those of the world famous Brooklyn Brewery. News 10 Now reports that two people are injured but their injuries are not thought to be life threatening. WKTV in Utica has continuing coverage as well.
The F.X. Matt Brewery is a survivor that has stayed in the family for four generations. Here is a 1992 NYT article on the efforts F.X. Matt had been making at that time to stay afloat. Just two months ago they were in the news for their efforts towards sustainable brewing. Careful readers will recall Chad's gorgeous photo of the brewery in the 2007 Christmas Photo Contest. I know that we all hope that photo will be one that can be retaken in the years to come.
Comments
NYCO - May 29, 2008 10:59 PM
Additional update: Apparently, Utica Club and Saranac beer is flying off the shelves all over Central New York.