Large West Hartford Home Damaged By Fire: FD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local firefighters Saturday rushed to a Fern Street home badly damaged by flames believed to have been caused by a ceiling fan, but did not result in any injuries.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, a structure alarm was reported at 298 Fern St. and units were called at 11:09 a.m., with responders on scene by 11:12 a.m.

Upon arrival there was a working fire with smoke coming from the roof vents and attic space area, the WHFD said.

Fire officials said a family of four who lived there were confirmed out of the building and had no injuries. No injuries were reported among responders, either.

The father reported they noticed smoke and some fire in the area of the ceiling fan in the master bathroom, the WHFD said.

As a result, fire crews were able to get the main body of fire which was above the master bathroom in a small attic closet, according to the WHFD.

"They were able to extinguish the moderate volume of fire before there was significant extension to other parts of the attic and third-floor spaces," wrote the WHFD.

"The incident utilized all town fire companies for a short while to confirm that there was no extension of fire to other areas of the structure."

According to West Hartford Firefighters Local 1241, a "moderate" amount of flames was found on the home's third floor and it was "quickly and aggressively extinguished, limiting the extension of the fire."

"All town fire resources were committed to this incident, much thanks to our mutual aid partners for providing town coverage while this incident was mitigated," firefighters wrote via social media.

Many other agencies were involved.

The West Hartford Police Department provided traffic control and AMR had a unit on standby for any medical needs, fire officials said.

Meanwhile, the University of Connecticut Fire Department came to the scene to assist and ended up providing coverage to the town while the incident response was completed.

Also conducting mutual aid was the Hartford Fire Department, Newington Fire Department and the New Britain Fire Department.

"Thanks to all involved. The fire was stopped very quickly and crews ensured there were no remaining hot spots," wrote the WHFD.

"Overhaul was performed and some salvage provided to limit damage to a newly remodeled kitchen area."

The West Hartford Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire, with authorities saying it appears the fire was related to the fan unit in the master bedroom.

Fire department officials said the house would be uninhabitable for a few days and the homeowners are working with their insurance company.