Fire Destroys West Hartford Apartment: WHFD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford apartment unit was destroyed by fire Wednesday night, but no injuries were reported and local authorities are investigating.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, the first call of the blaze at the Steven Street residence came at 7:13 p.m., with fire and police responders arriving five minutes later.

West Hartford Fire Department Chief Greg Priest said when the first units arrived on the scene, they noticed "light smoke" from the exterior of the two-story apartment building.

But when they entered the building, firefighters noticed a working fire inside and further WHFD units and mutual aid were called.

Despite the intensity of the apartment fire, no injuries were reported as firefighters determined all occupants had escaped safely once the fire alarm was activated.

Priest said firefighter units then canvassed the other units of the complex and determined the effects of the blaze were confined to that apartment alone.

According to the WHFD, the blaze was quickly knocked down and by 7:39 p.m., the fire was determined to be under control.

"No injuries were reported to occupants, however, after the fire was extinguished, an occupant of an adjacent apartment was evaluated for exposure to smoke but declined transport," wrote Priest in a statement.

Priest said all WHFD units responded, along with American Medical Response and the West Hartford Police Department.

Providing mutual aid coverage to the town while WHFD units were on the scene were firefighters from the University of Connecticut and the City of Hartford.

Priest said the West Hartford Building Department was on scene to inspect the apartment, but he said it would "likely be deemed uninhabitable."

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross is assisting the apartment's occupants.

"We greatly appreciate the assistance of the West Hartford Emergency Reporting Center, West Hartford Police, AMR, and our mutual aid partners," wrote Priest.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation by the West Hartford Fire Marshal's Office.