GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) - On a cold, windy day 40 years ago, firefighters in Great Barrington were called to three fires in what became one of the biggest fires in recent history, The Farshaw Fire. "Car 9 to 849 - Strike the Box!" The Great Barrington Fire Department reflects on the memories of the 40th anniversary of the Farshaw Fire from 1985 where they describe the words that came across the scanner, "Car 9 to 849 - Strike the Box!" that would make the hair on your neck stand up. Barn on family farm destroyed by fire in Kinderhook On January 8, 1985 at around 5:30 p.m. firefighters were called to 314 Main Street for an explosion in the basement of the Farshaw store. The owner of Jack's County Store located next door said he heard a bang and could see the center of the Farshaw store was "red in flames." MAP: The Farshaw Fire Upon arrival, firefighters attempted to enter the basement however due to the intense heat and smoke they could not gain access. The fire spread to Jack's Country Squire cellar and Ted's Smoke Shop. The weather was five degrees and breezy, causing an evacuation of apartments in the area of Main Street due to the smoke. Windows were opened in the surrounding blocks to try and evacuate the smoke. A sudden rush of smoke and air into an opening caused a carbon monoxide explosion called a backdraft that blew out the windows of Jack's store. With the help of around 150 firefighters from six departments, the Farshaw fire was under control by midnight, which still smoldered for two days. Fire Chief Mort Cavanaugh was quoted by the Berkshire Courier at the time saying, "the worst I've seen in my 31 years as fire chief." PHOTOS: The Farshaw Fire Great Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire DepartmentGreat Barrington Fire Department Members of the entire command structure of Chief Officers had passed away since that day, however, several firefighters remember that day as, "man, was it cold", and "has it really been 40 years?" Local News Headlines Northampton considers fossil fuel ban for new buildings AIC nears ‘Hispanic Serving Institution’ status Experts warn of dangers skating on frozen ponds Shelter arrest raises concerns statewide WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.