Vernon Fire Marshal: Prospect Blaze Example Of Glaring Statistic

VERNON, CT — Vernon Fire Marshal Dan Wasilewski Tuesday said the recent fire on Prospect Street is in the Rockville section of town is yet another example of a glaring statistic.

He said Tuesday that 44 percent of all reported house fires are connected to cooking. He also officially confirmed the initial declaration that a pan with oil in it left on a stove was the cause.

In-home video clearly showed that was the cause he said.

The fire at 111 Prospect St. broke out on Feb. 10. Vernon Town Administer and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro praised responders for a "team effort."

"The response by our fire department, police department and mutual aid partners, once again highlighted the teamwork that best serves our residents and is standard operating procedure in our community."

A report shows that Vernon police officers were the first to arrive and ensured everyone was out of the burning house. Firefighter Kevin Bowman, who had just left a budget meeting at Town Hall in his capacity as Cemetery Superintendent, heard the call, went to the Prospect Street fire station and had the first Vernon fire truck on scene within minutes.

Bowman and Fire Police Lt. Nettie Kenzior arrived at the scene about the same time. Bowman, who knew fellow volunteer firefighters were on the way, focused on establishing a water supply to battle the blaze, while Kenzoir closed the road and diverted traffic away from the scene to make way for responding fire trucks, Purcaro said.

Vernon Police Officer James Platosh, who had prior had experience as a firefighter, assumed fire hydrant duties and Bowman and Fire Capt. Brian Johnston began an exterior attack on the fire with a hose.

"The police department did a great job getting information from the residents and letting us know that everybody was out of the building," Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said. "It's another example of the fantastic team work of the fire department, police department and our mutual aid partners."

A dog and cat were rescued and no injuries were reported. Mutual aid was provided by Ellington, Bolton, Tolland, South Windsor, and Broad Brook. The American Red Cross assisted the four families who were displaced.

Wasilewski said insurance adjusters would be studying the damage this week. The home was built sometime in the late 1800s and early 1900s and was renovated over the years, according to vague town records.