UPDATE McDermott Rd Precast Concrete Factory 'Gas-Fed Fire' Spread To Roof, Forced Firefighter Evacuation: FD

BRANFORD, CT — It was around 2:15 a.m. when Branford firefighters were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at 25 McDermott Road, the location of Blakeslee Prestress, according to Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney. The business specializes in the design and manufacture of precast, prestressed concrete building components.

Ten minutes later, fire officials said, Car 6 arrived on scene, though "access to the property was initially delayed due to security measures."

"Upon arrival, smoke was observed coming from two sides of the one-story, large commercial concrete structure, and a working fire assignment was requested," a news release reads. "Once access to the building was gained, fire crews located a fire in the boiler room that had extended into the roof area. Initial suppression efforts determined the fire was gas-fed, prompting the evacuation of crews from the building."

Fire department personnel worked to secure the gas supply to the building, which was later confirmed by Southern Connecticut Gas Company, officials said.

Firefighters from the Branford and Guilford fire departments "identified multiple areas of fire on the roof that had extended from the chimney," fire officials said. "These areas required extensive overhaul to access and fully extinguish."

Once the gas supply was secured, fire crews went back into the building to knock down the "main body of fire and remaining hot spots," it was noted.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was requested to respond after it was learned by firefighters that "14 55-gallon barrels of mineral oil were impacted by the fire."

A little more than two hours after firefighters began their work, the fire was brought under control. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office, officials said.

"The Branford Fire Department thanks the Guilford Fire Department for assistance with fire suppression and the North Branford Fire Department for providing station coverage during the incident," a news release from the fire department reads. "Appreciation is also extended to Branford Public Works for addressing icy road conditions resulting from fire operations."

Original story:

Firefighters were busy Thursday morning battling an industrial fire at 25 McDermott Dr., WFSB 3 TV reported.

Several fire crews were at the scene Thursday.

Read more and watch the WFSB 3 TV live report here.