Wood Stove Likely the Cause of Overnight Mechanic St Fire
Putnam, Conn. - On Monday evening Putnam area Firefighters responded to a house fire in Putnam's Special Service District, the 3rd structure fire within the district in as many weeks. Officials tell us that initial reports indicated the fire may have originated from a woodstove within the residence.
At approximately 11:50 p.m. on Monday, December 11th, 2023, a 1st Alarm assignment was dispatched for reports of a working structure fire at 82 Mechanic St, Putnam. Assistant Fire Chief Kerry Farrell, Putnam Fire Department, told Quiet Corner Alerts that while en route crews were updated that the fire had originated from a first-floor wood stove and the homeowner was attempting to keep the fire at bay with a hose.
Assistant Chief Farrell went on to say, "when units arrived, they found fire on the B side (left from the primary entrance) of the building, [near the wood stove], extending through a porch roof to the second floor." Crews were able to keep the fire from spreading away from the B side of the building, but it did extend vertically through the walls into the attic space. Firefighters raced to punch holes in the sheetrock walls and ceilings to gain access to the fire as it rapidly advanced into the attic space. If left unchecked, it would quickly grown in size throughout the attic above firefighter's heads. Crews were able to make a stop before the fire could completely develop above them.
Units were able to knock the bulk of the fire down in approximately an hour and spent another hour on the scene overhauling the structure. This process involved gaining access to more of the internal spaces within the residence and ensuring that the fire was fully extinguished and not burning within any combustible spaces such as gaps between walls.
Crews were able to utilize a hydrant on the corner immediately in front of the structure ensuring the attack apparatus crews were running handlines from never struggled for water.
The residence sustained heavy fire damage and significant water damage from firefighting operations likely causing it to be a complete loss.
Two residents were home at the time of the fire and were able to safely evacuate un-injured, the American Red Cross is assisting them with living arrangements while the home remains uninhabitable. Crews were able to save one bird but one cat is currently unacounted for.
Throughout the incident, Putnam EMS stood by on the scene in case of any firefighter injuries but were not required to treat anyone.
The Putnam Fire Marshal's Office is investigating to determine the official cause of the fire.
Agencies that responded, or were dispatched, included the Putnam Fire Department, East Putnam Fire Department, Attawaugan Fire Department, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, Community Fire Company, Dayville Fire Company, Putnam EMS, Putnam Police Department, Putnam Fire Marshal, and the Putnam Police Department.
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