Firefighters Hurt Battling West Hartford House Fire: WHFD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Two firefighters were injured battling an intense house fire in West Hartford late Tuesday afternoon, with local fire officials crediting smoke alarms with keeping the occupants safe.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, responders were called to a reported structure fire on Dayton Lane at about 5:29 p.m.

What greeted firefighters, the WHFD said in a release, was a single-family home "with a large volume of fire on the rear and side of the home, with a lower-level garage, rear deck, several trees, and a vehicle in the driveway involved."

This prompted an "aggressive attack" by the WHFD and a frantic search for occupants inside.

Ultimately, the lone human occupant and two pets were safely outside, the WHFD said, and the fire was under control within 45 minutes of arrival.

While there were no injuries to the occupant, two firefighters "suffered minor injuries requiring evaluation," the WHFD said.

"West Hartford Building Department officials are evaluating the structure, and representatives from the American Red Cross are assisting the occupant with relocation," wrote the WHFD. "Officials from the West Hartford Fire Marshal’s office are investigating the cause."

Local responders thanked the assistance of the West Hartford Police Department and American Medical Response at the scene.

They also credited the University of Connecticut, New Britain, Newington, and Avon fire departments for covering the town while West Hartford crews battled the blaze.