‘Devastating’ Fire Displaces 49 In Hamden: Officials

HAMDEN, CT — Nearly 50 people were displaced from their homes after a “devastating” fire at the 22-unit apartment building at 42 Warner Street in Hamden on Monday night, according to Mayor Lauren Garrett.

“The cause of this devastating fire is under investigation by the Hamden Fire Department with assistance from the State Police,” Garrett wrote in a post on Facebook. “Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, however 49 residents are without homes and their personal belongings were destroyed. When an event of this magnitude occurs, it’s ‘all hands on deck’; HFD received assistance from New Haven and North Haven with fire suppression apparatuses and Wallingford provided additional manpower.

“Cheshire and Bethany stood watch over Hamden’s North end and AMR covered our medical calls. Hamden Police Department provided traffic control at this busy intersection and Hamden CERT provided logistical support as well. Public Works protected nearby apartments from water damage with sandbags and layed down salt and sand over the rapidly forming ice. CT Transit provided buses, both to keep the impacted residents warm and to transport them to our Keefe Community Center where the American Red Cross and our staff provided assistance. Through our partnership with The Clarion Hotel, all families were provided rooms. As always, food and clothing donations are welcome at Keefe Community Center.”

The Hamden Fire Department made numerous rescues, WFSB 3 TV reported. Fire Chief Gary Merwede told WFSB 3 TV that the "fire spread so quickly, because it got into the common attic space, fire was running above the apartments without the knowledge of the residents inside, so we had to break down doors and get them out. The apartments were rapidly filling with smoke."

Garrett announced Tuesday night that the town has put a secure donation link on the town website, so "we can come together as a community of support" for the families affected by the fire.

Visit the link here.