Norwich, 5th Alarm 02-26-07

Around 06:45 Norwich Fire Department responded to 102 Stonington Rd. (RT-2) (Stonington Estates complex). An OMD 3 to 4 story condo building, upon arrival SQ-A transmitted a 2nd alarm. Fire was showing on the exterior of the building “A” side at the far end of the building. Crews encountered occupants on balconies with fire taking hold of the attic and unit’s on the fourth floor. Norwich units rescued and removed all occupants near the fire area and advanced hose lines on the fire floor. Truck Company was venting the roof and abandoned the operations as the roof started to collapse. Inside crews were under part of the area that collapsed and had debris fall on them, all made it out safely, Due to pre-planning the area they knew water to be a possible problem so Car-1 transmitted a 3rd, lines were laid about a half mile away,and later extended to a mile, as tankers started to arrive and started to shuttle water.

As fire consumed the attic and fourth floor, crews continued the attacked from the exposures and trenched the roof of exposure D-1, incoming units aided in attack, ventilation and search of occupants. During this time a request for more units was made (a 4th alarm), request for additional tankers made it a 5th. The fire was stopped in exposure D-1 and pushed back. In the next few hours, fire consumed 6 units and many more damaged by fire and water, over 80 occupants were rescued or evacuated, and over a mile of hose was laid to the next water main. Several tankers shuttled water, crews operated both from the interior and exterior of the building. EMS treated the injured and along with the Red Cross aided the evacuees’. Canteen 1 and American provided rehab, Norwich PD assisted with evacuation and scene control, Norwich Utilities aided with their respected specialties. Crews operated for over 6hrs to extinguish the fire, and many more for investigation and fire watch.

Norwich and State fire marshals are investigating the fire.

Heavy fire vents from the roof.

Norwich chief Scandariato and Town of Preston Chief Casey discuss tactics

A view from the rear

Taftville fire opening the line. Fire incinerates the roof

EGPFD hand jacking a 5in supply line

Tower 25 & Truck 1
Norwich and Yantic firefighters trench the roof of Exposure D-1
Water supply tanker (tender) style

4th floor staging area