Community Rallies After Pittsfield Auto Body Fire

A longtime Pittsfield business suffered a devastating loss over the weekend after a massive fire destroyed Wright Place Auto Body at the corner of Adams and Memorial Street.

Owner Peter Wright, who spent 35 years building the business and five years at its uptown location, said the building was lost in just a matter of hours as firefighters battled the blaze in subzero temperatures. Despite the destruction, Wright says he is determined to move forward and keep the business alive for both his customers and his employees.

In the hours following the fire, the Pittsfield community quickly stepped up — offering temporary office space, supplies, furniture, and help securing vehicles that were not damaged. Wright says that support has meant everything as he works through insurance and plans next steps.

He is currently looking for a temporary location to continue operations and has not yet decided whether he will rebuild at the original site or relocate elsewhere in the city. Investigators say the cause of the fire cannot be fully determined until ice at the scene thaws.