Automatic Fire Alarms Alert Firefighters to Pomfret House Fire
Pomfret, Conn. - A routine call for an automatic fire alarm escalated into a working house fire Sunday evening.
At approximately 5:40 p.m. the Pomfret Department was dispatched for a fire alarm activation at 152 Quassett Rd.
According to Chief Brett Sheldon, Pomfret Fire Department, crews arrived to find a heavy smoke condition on the third floor of the home. Upon further investigation, active fire was found in the walls prompting an upgrade to a 1st alarm structure fire bringing numerous mutual aid departments to the scene.
The first crew assisted the residents out of the home and began opening up the third-floor walls and ceiling to gain access to the fire. Smoke could be seen billowing from the eaves as crews worked for over an hour chasing the stubborn fire.
During the incident, a water supply site was established at the rectory school’s dry hydrant in case the need to establish a tanker shuttle for additional water was needed. Crews were able to handle the fire with the initial water brought to the scene on 1st alarm apparatus.
Chief Sheldon went on to detail that the third floor was heavily damaged in firefighting efforts. Nearly the whole ceiling had to be removed for firefighters to get water on the fire. Additionally, there was heavy water damage to the lower floors.
Chief Sheldon finished by stating, “Tonight the mutual aid system worked. We are all short-handed these days requiring many more mutual aid companies on our alarm cards than we ever did before”. Many of these departments drill together together frequently allowing for all departments to work cohesively on the scene.
KB Ambulance’s Pomfret ambulance stood by on the scene but was not required to treat any occupants or responders.
According to the American Red Cross, two adults are being assisted following the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Pomfret Fire Marshals Office.
Agencies that responded, or were dispatched, included: the Pomfret Fire Department, Williamsville Fire Engine Company, Putnam Fire Department, Mortlake Fire Company, East Putnam Fire Department, Attawaugan Fire Department, and KB Ambulance (Pomfret).
