Firefighters Battle Thompson Tiny Home Fire on Scorching Day
Thompson, Conn. - At approximately 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5th, 2023, a 1st alarm was struck for the Thompson Fire Engine Company (Thompson Hill), for reports of a large shed on fire behind 190 Sunset Hill Rd.
According to Thompson’s Fire Marshal James Seney Jr, a passerby on the airline trail, which runs adjacent to the property, spotted fire coming from the structure and reported it to 911.
As fire crews made entry into the structure, it was discovered that there were two sheds set up next to each other creating a “tiny home”.
Crews battled the fire for approximately 30 minutes before it was deemed knocked down. It took crews approximately 2 more hours to overhaul the structure and ensure the fire was fully extinguished.
Firefighters faced multiple hazards on the scene including a small propane tank, that BLEVEd (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) early into the fire, solar panels mounted to an overhang that was structurally compromised by the fire, and outside temperatures of approximately 90 degrees.
Due to the heat, crews were required to frequently rotate between firefighting efforts and a rehabilitation point that was established by Putnam EMS. Crews could be seen exiting the structure and immediately being ushered to a shaded area where medical personnel stood by to provide water and check vitals ensuring firefighters were in appropriate condition before being allowed to return to attacking the firefighter. All of this was overseen by a Safety/Accountability Officer.
Seney later said, “The first due companies did a great job with an aggressive initial attack, keeping the fire within the first building before it extended to the second building.”
With no hydrants in the area, water was brought to the scene by numerous Tanker trucks.
Multiple firefighters required full evaluations by medical personnel for heat-related injuries but did not require transport to higher-level care.
The incident is under investigation by the Thompson Fire Marshal’s Office and the Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Agencies that responded, or were dispatched, included the Thompson Fire Engine Company, East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department, Community Fire Company, East Putnam Fire Department, Attawaugan Fire Department, and Putnam EMS.
