Firefighter Injured As Manchester FD 'Tested' Over Holiday Weekend

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester firefighters were, in the words of department officials, "tested over the holiday weekend.

Three major incidents broke out and one firefighter was hurt, officials said.

At 9:44 a.m. on Christmas Day, a fire broke out at 595 Main St. That's a set of commercial buildings on the left heading down the hill just prior to Center Memorial Park. Main Street was closed while firefighters battled the blaze. The cause was still being investigated Tuesday.

At 8:46 p.m. on Christmas Eve, firefighters were called to Interstate 384 to contend with a vehicle that had burst into flames. The compact vehicle was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported.

At 1:37 p.m. Friday, firefighters responded to 9 Hazel St. and found two rooms on the first floor burning. In all, six companies responded and the blaze was extinguished quickly, fire officials said.

Six people were displaced and were being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Officials said one firefighter was transported to a local hospital for what was being described as a "non life-threatening injury." No other injuries were reported and the Manchester Fire Marshal's office is conducting an investigation for origin and cause.

Photos by retired Rescue Lieutenant Chip Atzbach.