WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local firefighter suffered a heat-related injury while crews battled a metal fire at an industrial facility on Railroad Place Friday morning, according to the West Hartford Fire Department.
West Hartford Public Safety Dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting smoke and fire shortly before 9 a.m. on July 3.
The initial report indicated flames were visible behind a building on New Britain Avenue, prompting the dispatch of fire and police units.
The first fire company arrived around 9 a.m. and determined the fire was burning at an industrial facility on Railroad Place, according to the WHFD.
Fire officials found heavy flames coming from an attached storage structure and upgraded the incident to a working fire, bringing additional fire units to the scene and requesting mutual aid coverage for town fire stations.
According to WHFD Chief Greg H. Priest, early reports indicated the fire had not spread into the occupied portion of the building and that no one was inside the storage area.
Firefighters determined the burning material was aluminum, requiring specialized firefighting tactics because of the challenges associated with metal fires, he said.
Crews deployed supply lines and multiple handlines, along with a non-PFAS foam to suppress the fire and protect the adjoining building, fire officials said.
Firefighters confirmed that the occupied portion of the facility had only a few occupants, all of whom were safely accounted for.
Officials reported only minor fire extension into the attached building.
During firefighting operations in extreme heat, one firefighter experienced a heat-related medical condition, according to authorities.
The firefighter was treated at the scene by a West Hartford firefighter-paramedic before being transported by ambulance to an area hospital with American Medical Response personnel.
Fire officials said the firefighter was in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
The West Hartford Office of Emergency Management's Support Unit responded to assist with firefighter rehabilitation and hydration during the incident.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control at approximately 11:17 a.m.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded because of the metal fire.
The agency is coordinating with the property owner, and an environmental contractor will assist with cleanup efforts.
The West Hartford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire.
No civilian injuries or additional firefighter injuries were reported.
Priest thanked West Hartford dispatchers, the West Hartford Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the West Hartford Office of Emergency Management, the Hartford Fire Department, Newington Fire Department, UConn Fire Department and American Medical Response for their assistance during the incident or for providing coverage while West Hartford units remained committed to the fire.
In a statement, Priest also urged residents to exercise caution during the holiday weekend amid high temperatures, noting the department has responded to several significant incidents in recent days.
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