Portion Of Roof Collapses During Fire In Hamden: UPDATE

HAMDEN, CT — One firefighter was injured and a portion of the roof collapsed during a garage fire that spread to the house on Garvin Road Monday afternoon, according to fire officials. Firefighters responded to the 200 block of Garvin Road at 12:54 p.m. on the report of a structure fire. The 911 call came from a neighbor, a retired Hamden Fire Lieutenant, who reported a fully involved garage fire, with extension to the house, according to Deputy Fire Chief Gary Merwede.

Engine 9 arrived on the scene and reported heavy fire with extension to the attic space above the garage and home. Fire crews quickly determined no one was inside the home.

“Gusting winds contributed to the fire spread in the attic,” Merwede said in a press release. “The roof was opened and interior companies pulled ceilings to work on fire suppression. A section of roof collapsed (1:24 p.m.) from the fire load and all personnel were ordered out of the house for a short period until defensive operations stabilized the situation.”

The fire was declared under control at 1:38 p.m. by Battalion Chief Richard Otlowski. One firefighter sustained a minor burn and no other injuries were reported, according to Merwede.

Two residents were displaced as a result of the fire and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

“Fire Marshal Brian Dolan is leading the investigation and is concentrating on a cause in the garage, which has been determined as the area of origin,” Merwede said.

UPDATE: In a Monday night update, Merwede said Dolan determined the cause of this fire is accidental.

“While (the homeowner) was working in his garage, gasoline vapor was ignited by a portable propane heater,” Merwede said. “A quick attempt by the homeowner to control the fire with an extinguisher was unsuccessful. The fire spread up the inside walls and entered the attic spaces through a pull-down hatch.”

The homeowner’s name isn’t being released by the department at this time.

Photo via the Hamden Fire Department. Note: In the foreground of the photo, the white material seen is the foam additive used on attack lines to assist with suppression.