Putnam, CT — Nobody was injured in a structure fire that heavily damaged the kitchen of a two-family residence Wednesday morning after a bystander saw smoke coming from the building.
At approximately 10:57 AM on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, the Putnam Fire Department was dispatched to 37 Flagg St for reports of an AC unit on fire. Fire officials explained that a passerby spotted smoke coming from the back of the building and notified the residents who were still inside.
When responders arrived on the scene, they discovered the fire wasn’t just the air conditioner but the kitchen on the other side of the wall. The fire was initially held at bay with a garden hose until a fire truck arrived and deployed a handline through the front door. The fire was extinguished within approximately 10 minutes, and crews remained on the scene for approximately an hour.
No injuries were reported by residents or responders. One dog was initially entrapped in the building and was transported to Peake Brook Veterinary Center for further care.
The apartment where the fire occurred sustained significant damage to the kitchen, displacing two residents. The neighboring apartment sustained smoke damage. The American Red Cross is assisting 4 adults and 3 children between the two apartments.
The fire is under investigation by the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office, with the Thompson Fire Marshal’s Office providing mutual aid support.