250-Acre Fire Contained; 4 Rescued From House Fire In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Crews continue to monitor a brush fire that has spanned more than 250 acres in Middletown, fire officials said in an update Wednesday afternoon.

Members of the South Fire District, along with dozens of mutual aid departments, have been fighting the fire for more than 24 hours in the area of Aircraft Road, Freeman Road and River Road.

“This fire started after a tree limb took down power lines yesterday on River Road,” officials wrote in a post on the South Fire District union’s Facebook page. “The fire grew rapidly due to high winds and extremely dry conditions, and has exceeded 250 acres. In addition to mutual aid departments from across the state, CT DEEP Wildland Firefighters have been on scene assisting SFD personnel, and remain on scene today to limit fire spread.

“If you are traveling in this area, use caution. You may see small spot fires along the road or in the woods. This fire will continue to burn likely for days, and is considered under control. Crews will extinguish hot spots where necessary, but letting it burn itself out is a strategy that often works best. We will continue to have assets in the area to make sure nearby homes aren't in danger.”

Also, while crews were monitoring the brush fire around 2 a.m., the South Fire District was notified of a structure fire on Freeman Road and arrived at the scene within minutes.

“Engine 32, Truck 34 and Chief Trzaski quickly rescued 2 adults and 2 children from the 2nd floor of the home, who were trapped in a bedroom overcome by smoke,” officials wrote. “All 4 occupants were transported to area hospitals for evaluation, but are expected to be ok. Members from SFD, City of Middletown Professional Firefighters Local 1073, Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company and Westfield Fire Dept extinguished a fire in the basement and ventilated the building.”

The fire is being investigated by the South Fire District Fire Marshal's Office, but officials said it doesn’t appear to be "suspicious" or related to the brush fire, despite reports by some media outlets.

Read more, including photos, at the South Fire District Firefighters IAFF Local 3918 union’s Facebook page here.

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