1/25/10 Jewett City

Photo courtesy of Gerald Lattin

Shortly before midnight, Jewett City Fire Department was requested to respond to 124 North Main St. (Route 12) for a reported structure fire. Due to the amount of 911 calls being received, Quinebaug Valley dispatch added Griswold, Lisbon and Taftville to the assignment. First due units arrived to find heavy fire showing from the front of a single story commercial building with a three story attached apartment building located on the C-side.

Crews from the engine and ladder made there way into the fire building trying to contain the fire. After about forty-five minutes, the blaze gained the upper hand and Jewett City Chief Smith (Car 56) ordered everyone out of the building. Defensive operations were put into place eventually knocking down the fire. Firefighters remained on the scene well into the night extinguishing hot spots and assisting the Griswold and State FMO.

Mutual aid was provided by Taftville, Plainfield, Voluntown and Mohegan Tribe (FAST) with Hose Tenders from Laurel Hill and Scotland. Two firefighters were transported to Backus Hospital in Norwich with injuries related to the fire.

1/23/10 Norwich (City)

Firefighters from Norwich, Local 892, were summoned for another job Saturday night. The second one in the city's district in less than twenty-four hours. Shortly before 7pm Norwich Fire dispatch notified all city companies to respond to 65 Prospect St., in the Greenville section of the city, for a structure fire, numerous calls being received.

First due, Engine 2, found a three story occupied Multi family with smoke pushing from the upper floors and active fire in the rear of the building. Taftville and Mohegan Tribe (FAST) were added to the assignment. Soon after, Command added Laurel Hill and Yantic bringing in other Norwich volunteer companies to cover empty stations. About a half hour into the incident, the evacuation tone was sounded pulling everyone out of the building. Master stream operations were put into place eventually knocking down the blaze.

Despite great efforts from all on scene, the building was a total loss. The Norwich FMO is investigating to determine the cause.

Photos courtesy of Chad Johnson

1/08/10 East Lyme (Flanders)

Shortly before 08:00, on a cold snowy Friday. Flanders Engine 21, 22, Tower 25, Rescue 27 and B-200 with Niantic Engine 1 were requested to respond to the former JCPenny warehouse on Mostowy Rd. for a reported structure fire. Flanders Chief Foley (B-2), one of the first units to arrive, found smoke showing from a 1 story metal clad structure. A working fire was transmitted adding the FAST from Mohegan Tribe to the assignment.

As first in companies went to work, Chief Foley requested a second alarm, bringing in two additional engines and a truck from Niantic. After a couple of hours battling the blaze, firefighters were able to gain the upper hand and extinguish the fire. Members remained on scene throughout the morning extinguishing hot spots.

Waterford and Old Lyme Fire Departments covered empty East Lyme stations and responded to numerous other emergency calls. The State and Town of East Lyme Fire Marshal offices are investigating the cause.

Photos courtesy of Frank Summers

Shorlty after arrival