Hartford FD Battles Two Massive Apartment Building Fires Over Weekend

HARTFORD, CT — City firefighters are resting after battling two massive blazes on Saturday that both destroyed apartment buildings, one occupied and one vacant.

Sadly, one dog was killed in one of the fires, and 15 residents were displaced.

First Fire

The first inferno was a two-alarm fire at 166 Bond St. on Saturday afternoon, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

At 1:34 p.m., units were called to Hartford's South End for a report of a working structure fire.

When firefighters arrived, they encountered "heavy fire conditions" on all three floors of the occupied, three-story, six-family apartment building.

"Due to the size of the fire and frigid weather conditions, a second alarm was requested to provide additional personnel and resources," wrote the HFD in a statement.

"Crews conducted an aggressive interior attack and completed primary and secondary searches after reports of a possible trapped occupant."

Miraculously, despite the severity of the blaze, all residents were able to escape and be accounted for, and no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

Unfortunately, one dog did die in the fire.

"The Hartford Fire Department extends its condolences to the family for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time," wrote the HFD.

The HFD's special services unit is working with the American Red Cross to assist residents displaced, with the cause under investigation by the Hartford Fire Marshal's Office.

Second Fire

Later Saturday night, the HFD rushed to another three-story apartment building for a report of a working structure fire, this one at 131 Franklin Ave. in the South End.

At 11:32 p.m., units were called to that address and immediately encountered "heavy fire conditions" throughout most of the vacant, three-story building.

The HFD said this fire had a "zero survivability profile," with firefighters employing defensive tactics on the inferno.

"A second alarm was transmitted shortly after to bring in additional personnel and resources, especially given the frigid temperatures and the need for frequent firefighter rotation," wrote the HFD.

Hartford fire officials said the blaze did extend to an adjacent building, "where crews successfully conducted operations to stop further spread."

The burning building also partially collapsed, breaking some windows in adjacent buildings.

Like the first fire, the HFD reported no civilian or firefighter injuries.

"The building involved was reportedly vacant, and no relocations will be necessary," wrote the HFD.

The cause of the second blaze is also under investigation by the Hartford Fire Marshal's office.

"Thank you to our brave firefighters and partner agencies for their continued hard work, professionalism, and dedication," wrote the HFD.

For more information on the 166 Bond St. fire, including pictures, click on this link.

For more information on the 131 Franklin Ave. fire, including pictures, click on this link.