(Updated July 6, 12 p.m.)
One firefighter has been taken to a nearby hospital and firefighters remain on scene working in shifts to avoid heat-related issues following a morning basement fire at in Southington.
Fire Capt. Alan Zygmunt said the injuries were not considered life threatening and the firefighter, who has not been named, was treated on scene. He was then transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, Zygmunt said.
"It was a decision we made as a precaution," Zygmunt said. "He will be OK."
No other injuries were reported in the incident, which began when restaurant staff arrived on scene just after 10 a.m. to find heavy smoke coming from the basement area.
The received the call from staff, Zygmunt said, and arrived to find fire in the basement. He said parts of the fire had made it into the walls, presenting a more chanllenging scene as firefighters attempted to ventilate the building and eliminate hot spots.
The fire is now out, Zygmunt said, but firefighters will remain on scene for several hours to monitor conditions and prevent flare-ups.
Mack's on West, a pizzeria restaurant at 692 West Street, will remain closed as firefighters continue to monitor and evaluate conditions. Fire Capt. Neil Cassarella, who serves as the deputy fire marshal in Southington, were also on scene to evaluate the cause. Officials said Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Thomas Wisner would also be involved in investigating the cause.
Fire officials said the early indication was that it appeared to be an electrical malfunction, but could not comment further.
Zygmunt said the hardest part of the response was dealing with the heat not only from the fire, but caused by the weather.
The department used a rotation, which requires an extensive number of firefighters, and had set a "rehab station" up in the neighboring parking lot to help get firefighters out of the heat and avoid deydration and other heat-related issues.
"Normally we would have our guys battle through using two tanks (of oxygen), but due to the conditions today, we needed to rotate them in and out after just one tank," Zygmunt said. "It's a precautionary measure, but one we need to use on a day like today."
Wolcott, Cheshire and Plainville firefighters were called to assist in the coverage of the incident. West Street was temporarily closed between Jude Lane and Hart Street but has since reopened.
(Original Story)
Firefighters are battling a basement fire at after arriving to find heavy smoke coming from the building, dispatchers said Friday morning.
The fire broke out just after 10 a.m., officials said, with crews arriving to see heavy smoke. Firefighters were stationed in the building to bring a line to the basement. The has already shifted volunteer services to help cover the town.
The fire have been a challenge for the department as heavy smoke has made it difficult to work without air packs, forcing the department to shift firefighters in and out.
West Street is currently closed from Hart Street to Jude Lane.
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