Berlin Building Destroyed In Fire; Lightning Strike Investigated: BVFD

BERLIN, CT — A building on Worthington Point Road was destroyed by an overnight fire Thursday, with officials investigating whether a lightning strike during storms may have sparked the blaze.

Berlin's four fire companies were dispatched to 109 Worthington Point Road at 1:21 a.m. Aug. 13 after a neighbor reported a fire on the back deck, Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jonn Massirio said.

Additional reports indicated the fire grew significantly in a short period.

Firefighters arriving at the scene found the one-story building fully involved, according to Massirio.

Because occupied homes were close to the burning building, firefighters deployed three hose lines and worked to keep the flames from spreading to neighboring properties while extinguishing the fire, he said.

The building was unoccupied at the time and is primarily used as an office, Massirio said.

No civilians or first responders were injured, and no residents were displaced.

The building was declared a total loss and is scheduled to be demolished.

A total of 22 Berlin firefighters spent about 2½ hours extinguishing the blaze and conducting overhaul operations.

The Berlin Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.

Massirio said a lightning strike during overnight storms is being considered as a possible cause, but the investigation remains ongoing.

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