A crew works on the roof of Charlie’s Diner in West Springfield on Aug. 28.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Lederer
WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Aug. 29, District 1 Councilor William Forfa visited Charlie’s Diner, where he met with owner Michael Alfano, an employee and some friends who were helping with the rebuilding effort. Forfa, a former construction supervisor and ex-president of West Side Helping Hands, told Alfano to reach out if he needed anything.
“We will definitely cooperate to help them establish their business as soon as possible,” he said.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
The restaurant in West Springfield’s Merrick neighborhood had been open since 1941, at one point operating for 24 hours a day. Alfano, Forfa, and town Fire Chief C.J. Bartone all stressed how big a loss it was for the community when the diner caught fire on Aug. 13.
“It’s been here forever,” said Alfano. “It’s a landmark and I think that’s why people are distraught over it.”
On Aug. 13, the West Springfield Fire Department got a call at 4:33 p.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 4:37 p.m, where they saw fire coming through the windows. They worked quickly to get water on the building and search the inside, said Bartone.
“The members here did a great job of getting water on the fire quickly and trying to protect as much property as possible,” he said.
Bartone struck a second alarm, dispatching all units to the scene. The Agawam and Springfield fire departments covered West Springfield emergencies during that time, he said. Firefighters got the fire under control at 4:52 p.m. and remained until 7 p.m., knocking out smaller pockets and securing the utilities.
The fire caused an estimated $125,000 in damage between the property and its contents, said Bartone. Fire damage occurred to the front, and smoke and water damage occurred throughout. No injuries were reported for either firefighters or occupants, the latter because the building was closed at the time.
Two weeks out, the West Springfield Fire Department and the state fire marshal’s office are still investigating. Investigators have not determined a cause, yet, said Bartone, but they have ruled out foul play.
Alfano said he believed it was an electrical fire, and blamed a neon sign in the front dining room.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
“I was distraught,” he said. “I woke up and came here for almost 40 years. Not a good feeling, you know.”
Two weeks after the fire, Alfano said he is lining up contractors to do the reconstruction. A crew has gutted the diner to the shell, he said. New windows have been ordered and a new roof is in the works. He is also trying to weather-seal the building.
The town has been working with Alfano on permits. Mayor William Reichelt has gotten in touch, as well as city councilors.
Some employees are still receiving paychecks, Alfano said, though they are lower than when the diner was operating.
The full project will involve installing a new electrical system, new gas system from the street and a lot of little upgrades, like ceiling panels and stainless steel. The diner will also be brought up to modern building code.
“It is a big cost,” Alfano said, adding that insurance may not cover the build.
Asked how people can help, he said he didn’t have an answer to that question. He is not currently running any fundraisers, though said he could set one up for his employees down the line.
While he couldn’t provide a construction timeline, Alfano, who purchased the diner in 1986, said he intends to reach his 40th anniversary with the business open.
“I want to get it up and running to hit that 40-year mark and not have a fire put me out,” he said. “And when it’s time to hand it over to somebody, it’ll be up and running.”
Forfa, who experienced two house fires as a child, has a positive outlook on the project.
“I’m more than confident that this guy, with the people he has and a little bit of help, will be able to get this thing back together again,” he said. “They’re going forward and they’re working hard and I’m really proud of them and I’m really impressed.”
Alfano thanked everyone who showed support.
“I would like to thank the West Springfield Fire Department, the West Springfield Police Department for holding off the road, all the town councilmen that showed up that night, the mayor calling, and the townspeople alone, the support has been overwhelming,” he said. “I hope I can get it up and running for them soon.”
He also thanked the diner staff who have helped with the cleanup, and “a few good, personal friends.”
