Gales Ferry Fire Deemed Accidental, Benefit to be Held

The fire that ravaged the home at 12 Nutmeg Drive during the record-setting blizzard Feb. 9 was deemed accidental by Ledyard Fire Marshal Jim Mann.

Mann said the fire was caused by combustible construction material in contact with the chimney and fireplace.

The house was built in 1964, he said, and there were no codes in place that would prevent such those methods of construction.

"There are codes for that now," said Fire Marshal James Mann. "They don't do that anymore."

Two adults were in the home and escaped unharmed, one other adult and two children were not at home during the fire.

Since the house was a total loss and all their belongings were destroyed including a car, there is a benefit dinner to help them start the rebuilding process.

The dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at St. David’s Episcopal Church. The price is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and children.

Donations are also being accepted at Putnam Bank on 2 Chapman Lane c/o Munger Family Fire Fund.

If anyone would like to assist in food set up and service, contact Naomi Rodriquez at naocry@comcast.net or Andrea Goodrich at andreagoodrich@hotmail.com