Toxic flames engulf F.X. Matt Brewery
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Those of you who follow craft beer or who lived on the East Coast at one point no doubt recognize FX Matt, a regional New York brewery with a long history and a record for producing straightforward, OK beer.

The brewery burned Thursday (May 28, 2008)…

WILLIAM P. CANNON / Observer-Dispatch
Utica FIrefighters battle a fire, Thursday, May 29, 2008 at the F.X. Matt Brewing Co. in Utica, New York. The fire broke out around 5 p.m. as hundreds were gathering for the first installment of the annual Saranac Thursday party outside the brewery.

UTICA — City public safety officials are telling everyone to stay as far away from Varick Street as possible while firefighters battle a toxic fire at the Matt F. X. Brewing Company.

The fire began shortly after the start of this summer’s first Saranac Thursday as flames erupted from the portion of the brewery right behind the music concert stage.

A Toxic blaze
Utica Public Safety Commissioner Daniel LaBella said the fire is ammonia-based, and the four to five blocks around the brewery are being evacuated. READ MORE…