SOUTHINGTON, CT— While Southington's top elected body has adopted a town/school budget for 2026-27, the conflict over what is in it for firefighting services is not over.
That's because a massive fire that burned for hours at Chuck & Eddie's Used Auto Parts on Saturday, May 30, has renewed debate over firefighter staffing levels in Southington.
The blaze, which was visible for miles, came just weeks after the Southington Town Council declined to fund three additional firefighter positions in the town's 2026-27 budget.
Firefighters from Southington and several neighboring communities responded to the blaze at 450 Old Turnpike Road after receiving reports of a large fire in the auto salvage yard at 9:12 a.m. Saturday.
Crews spent approximately six hours battling the fire, which involved fuel, hazardous materials and extensive foam operations.
No injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation by the Southington Fire Marshal's Office.
In a statement issued Tuesday, June 2, the Southington Board of Fire Commissioners praised firefighters' response to the blaze and reiterated its support for additional staffing and resources.
"The recent fire on Old Turnpike Rd. has demonstrated the skills and professionalism of our firefighters," the board stated. "The board of fire commissioners remains committed to ensuring that the fire department has the staffing, resources and support necessary to provide safe and effective emergency services to our community."
The staffing issue was also highlighted by Southington Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2033, which linked the fire response to the department's ongoing budget concerns.
According to the union, the first-arriving apparatus at the fire was staffed at the department's minimum level, consisting of an officer and driver, while Station 3, the closest fire station to the incident, was not staffed during nights and weekends.
The union said mutual aid departments were required not only to assist at the fire scene but also to handle coverage for the remainder of town.
During the incident, seven additional emergency calls were reported elsewhere in Southington.
"This isn't politics. It's public safety," the union wrote in a social media statement.
The union also criticized recent budget decisions, noting that the council voted against adding firefighters, further reduced the department's budget, delayed filling an assistant chief position and eliminated the chief's secretary position.
Town officials have not publicly responded to the union's latest comments.
Under Southington's charter, the town council has final authority over municipal spending, including the fire department budget.
The fire has become the latest focal point in an ongoing discussion about staffing levels within Southington's hybrid fire department, which relies on both career and volunteer firefighters to provide emergency services throughout the community.
From June 1: 'VIDEO: Firefighters Battle Massive Junkyard Fire In Southington: UPDATE'
From March 30: 'Massive Fire At Southington Business Closes Roads, Prompts Shutdowns: Authorities'
From April 7: 'Budgetary Concerns Presented To Southington Council, Hearing Continued'
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