BERLIN, CT — A historic two-story home on Worthington Ridge was heavily damaged by fire Thursday afternoon, prompting a second alarm and a regional response from multiple fire departments, according to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.
The home contained three cats. Two of the animals died in the fire, according to the department.
All four Berlin fire companies were dispatched at about 2:14 p.m. Thursday, June 11, to 673 Worthington Ridge after multiple reports of a structure fire.
The first arriving fire officer found the home fully involved in flames, with people trapped in the rear yard.
Firefighters from the first two arriving engines deployed two large-diameter attack lines from outside the structure, which officials said quickly reduced fire conditions on the first floor and exterior.
Additional resources were requested through a second alarm, bringing personnel from Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield and New Britain.
An aerial master stream was used to extinguish the fire in the upper portions of the home, the BVFD said.
After the structure was stabilized, firefighters entered the building to extinguish remaining hot spots and conduct an extensive overhaul of the interior and exterior.
One occupant of the home and a passerby who stopped to help became briefly trapped behind the house because of intense heat from the fire, according to the department.
Once conditions allowed, both were escorted to safety. The occupant was evaluated by emergency medical personnel and released at the scene.
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No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. Fire officials said rotating crews were able to rehabilitate between assignments despite high temperatures.
The Berlin Fire Marshal's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the fire.
Officials believe the fire originated near the front of the home, under or near a section of deck where dry landscape mulch was present.
High temperatures may have contributed to ignition, according to investigators.
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