Fire Breaks Out During Greenwich Political Fundraiser: Report

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich firefighters battled a chimney fire Thursday night during what turned out to be a political fundraiser in a home on Field Point Circle, according to posts on the department's Twitter page and a report in the Greenwich Time.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which occurred at about 7:30 p.m. The fundraiser was for Republican Steve Obsitnik, who is running for governor, and all the guests had evacuated by the time firefighters arrived.

The 115-year-old, three-story, 9,000-square-foot home is owned by Susan Bevan, national co-chair of the pro-choice Republican group Majority for Choice, according to the publication.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the basement and first floor, avoiding serious structural damage. However, much of the house sustained smoke damage, according to Greenwich Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kick.

"The last Fire Department unit cleared the scene at 11:36 pm with no injuries reported at the incident," wrote Kick. "The origin and cause are under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office."

Below is the full text of Kick's account of the incident:

At approximately 7:38 pm Greenwich Public Safety Dispatch assigned Greenwich Fire Department Engines 1, 3, 2 and 4, Truck 1, Rescue 5 and the Deputy Chief to a reported chimney fire in the Field Point Circle section of Town.

Upon arrival the first due units discovered a heavy smoke condition throughout the structure with a fire in the basement and requested an additional Engine and Ladder company to the scene. The structure was
a 115-year- old 3 story single family home of approximately 9000 square feet.

The firefighters advanced 2 hose lines into the building while additional crews began to search the home for trapped occupants. All searches were complete with no occupants found. Additionally, the firefighters were able to minimize significant damage by containing the fire to the basement and 1st floors with smoke damage throughout the structure. The last Fire Department unit cleared the scene at 11:36 pm with no injuries reported at the incident. The origin and cause are under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office.

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