Putnam, CT – Putnam area firefighters responded to a tricky basement fire that displaced two Sunday evening.
At approximately 10:22 PM on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 the East Putnam Fire Department was dispatched to a reported chimney fire at 61 Cady Rd.
The first firefighter on the scene found smoke in the residence, banked 1 foot from the ceiling, and light smoke from the C (back) eave but no obvious fire. When the first apparatus arrived minutes later the smoke inside had banked approximately 4 ft from the ceiling and light smoke began showing from all eaves. Knowing that the fire was likely more than a chimney fire the Chief Walker requested a 1st alarm assignment be put on standby in their quarters. As crews continued to investigate the smoke condition rapidly deteriorated with smoke banking to the floor and rapidly darkening, the 1st alarm was then requested to the scene.
Interior crews initially identified high heat in the basement but were unable to locate the source of the fire due to zero visibility and a lack of thermal camera readings. Just as crews began finding the outer edge of the fire, exterior crews working to set up safe egress opened a rear bulkhead and were confronted with fire in the basement. Having a better knowledge of the fire’s location the interior crews were able to make their way to the seat of the fire quickly knocking it down.
Crews remained on the scene until approximately 1:30 AM ensuring the fire was fully extinguished.
Throughout the fire, Engine 185 drafted from Cady Brook, filling tankers which then drove the short distance to the scene. Had the fire grown further this water source would have been close enough to lay LDH to the scene.
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All occupants safely made it out of the building uninjured and no responders reported any injuries injuries during the fire. Two residents were displaced due to damage to the building.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office. It is currently unclear if this began as a basement fire or a chimney fire that extended to the basement.
Agencies that responded included the East Putnam Fire Department, Putnam Fire Department, Attawaugan Fire Department, Thompson Fire Engine Company (Thompson Hill), East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, Danielson Fire Department, South Killingly Fire Department, Dudley Fire Department, and Putnam EMS.
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