Berlin Animal Hospital Closed After Fire Rips Through Building

BERLIN, CT —A local animal hospital is temporarily closed this week after a fire ripped through a business plaza in Berlin over the weekend.

According to the Animal Hospital of Berlin, the building "wasn't touched by fire" on Saturday, Sept. 21, but "there is smoke and water damage."

The fire broke out at about 4:44 p.m. on Saturday at 369 New Britain Road, Berlin, which is home to several professional offices, including the animal hospital, according to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.

According to animal hospital officials Sunday, they will be closed all this week.

"Significant cleaning, painting, and inspections have to happen before we can reopen; we're working to open up as quickly as possible," wrote the hospital.

Meanwhile, the animal hospital said it is reaching out to cancel appointments.

"We do not have access to either our phones or computer system right now, so we're also posting here, and on our website, and there are signs posted at the clinic," wrote the hospital.

"Beyond this week, it's unknown right now, but we'll keep you posted as we make decisions."

Over the weekend, the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department posted images of heavy smoke and flames at the plaza.

Despite the heavy smoke and flames, the BVFD reported no injuries, and two animals at the veterinary hospital were rescued and are safe.

The BVFD said the fire itself was contained to the top floor of one of the businesses on site, with smoke and water damage impacting other businesses in the plaza.

"Crews made entry to locate the fire. Fire was located in a second-floor business of the structure. Crews worked to extinguish the fire which had burnt through the roof and was burning the rubber roofing material," wrote BVFD Chief Thomas Farr II in a statement.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Town of Berlin Fire Marshal's Office, with mutual aid coming from firefighters in New Britain, Cromwell, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield.

For more information on the fire, click on this link.

For photos posted by the BVFD of the interno, click on this link.