Major West Hartford Senior Housing Complex Evacuated Amid Friday Fire: WHFD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local firefighters are crediting a fast response technology on Friday in limiting the damage caused by a fire at a prominent senior/disabled housing complex in town.

According to the West Hartford Fire Department, units were called at 12:01 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, to a report of a burning odor inside an apartment at 10 Starkel Road.

10 Starkel is an apartment complex, known as West Hartford Fellowship Housing, a senior/disabled housing community.

"Upon arrival, fire crews determined there was an odor of smoke," wrote West Hartford Fire Department Chief Greg Priest in a statement Friday afternoon. "As crews were investigating, smoke became visible, and a localized evacuation of the apartment complex was started."

Using thermal imaging (heat-detecting devices), crews discovered an active and hidden fire within the walls and ceiling of an apartment, the WFHD said.

A working fire was transmitted, which brought all on-duty companies to the scene.

Due to the size of the building and the number of occupants, mutual aid from UConn was called to the scene, the WHFD said.

Amid firefighters' efforts, power was cut off, and the building on site was evacuated.

"The fire was rapidly contained; however, approximately 18 residents and 16 apartments were evacuated during this incident," wrote Priest.

Several residents who were dependent on oxygen were evacuated to the nearby West Hartford Senior Center.

They were evaluated and monitored; no injuries or transports to the hospital were required, the WHFD said.

The Weast Hartford Office of Emergency Management assisted senior center staff with the temporarily displaced residents.

Crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control, wrote Priest.

The fire was knocked down within minutes and officially declared under control at 12:31 p.m.

Fire damage was contained to the apartment of origin, although there was some smoke and water damage.

"Preliminary information indicates that only one apartment will not be habitable; however, the assessment is still ongoing," wrote Priest.

The West Hartford Building Official was on scene making a determination of the other apartment units. Some apartment occupants are voluntarily seeking alternate housing for the evening.

No firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the West Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office.

"We are very appreciative of our partners from West Hartford Emergency Reporting Center (Dispatch), West Hartford PD, American Medical Response and our mutual aid partners (Hartford, Newington, New Britain) who covered Town while the WHFD was engaged at this incident," wrote Priest.