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Lack Of Sprinklers A Factor In Total Loss Of Groton Inn

GROTON (CBS) - Insurance adjusters and investigators remain at the scene of Tuesday night's massive fire at the old Groton Inn.

The building, which first opened in 1678, appears to be a total loss, though, damage estimates have not been calculated.

The roof is collapsed; damage can be seen through every window and a center back section connecting the oldest part of the building to more guest rooms, is burned to the ground.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports

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State Fire Marshall Stephen Coan says finding the cause is tedious work.

Coan laments the fact that the Groton Inn, like so many old buildings in Massachusetts, has no sprinklers.

"We live in a state that has a very strong and long history," he says. "Unfortunately we are losing some of our history to fire."

These old buildings were exempt because of the cost of retrofitting.

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