Thompson, CT — A fire that tore through a townhouse-style condominium Thursday afternoon was quickly contained to a single unit thanks to the rapid response of nearby firefighters.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the West Thompson Fire Department’s rescue truck — staffed with one officer and one firefighter — was operating at a minor two-car accident in the area of 415 Riverside Drive, receiving assistance from the Community Fire Company due to limited manpower. This type of mutual aid response is not uncommon in Thompson, where all departments are volunteer-based.

As crews were clearing that scene, a first alarm was struck for a reported structure fire at 13 Westside Drive, a townhouse-style condominium complex located approximately 1,000 feet from the crash scene.

The two West Thompson firefighters responded in their rescue truck, a non-fire suppression apparatus, and additional personnel were not immediately available to staff the department’s engine, the primary fire attack unit.

The Community Fire Company responded from the scene in Rescue 481, while additional personnel returned to their station to staff Engine 181 and Tower 181. While units were responding, Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications (QVEC) dispatchers reported that the occupant had re-entered the building, prompting the addition of a QV paramedic due to concerns for possible burn injuries.

As Rescue 481 and Rescue 382 arrived, Car 181 assumed command and reported heavy fire showing from the front of a middle-of-the-row townhouse, with heavy smoke visible from the rear. The occupant who had reportedly re-entered the building was later accounted for outside with no apparent serious injuries.

Due to the risk of extension into adjacent units, an additional aerial truck was requested from the Putnam Fire Department.

Minutes after the rescue units arrived, Engine 181 — staffed by personnel who had returned to the station — arrived on scene and immediately deployed a 1¾-inch pre-connected attack line. Crews began knocking down fire from the exterior through the second and third-floor windows that had failed due to heat and pressure.

Thompson Hill units arrived with Engine Tanker 284 (a two-person cab) and assisted in forming an interior attack crew. East Putnam Tanker 179 established a water supply from a hydrant located approximately 250 feet from the fire building, supplying the scene with large-diameter hose (LDH) and ensuring a steady water supply while leaving room for incoming aerial apparatus to position.

A second supply line was later established by Thompson Hill’s Engine Tanker 184 to a hydrant approximately 700 feet away, providing redundancy in the event of a hydrant failure.

The initial attack crew was able to knock down the bulk of the fire within approximately 10 minutes, containing the primary damage to the unit of origin. Three additional units sustained minor smoke and water damage.

Crews remained on scene for approximately two additional hours, conducting overhaul operations to ensure all remaining fire was extinguished.

One resident was evaluated by Putnam EMS and a QV paramedic but declined transport. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.

With temperatures in the 80s, the Killingly Rehab Team — automatically dispatched as part of West Thompson’s first alarm assignment — provided firefighter rehabilitation, including medical monitoring and hydration support.

The fire remains under investigation by the Thompson Fire Marshal’s Office, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU).

Agencies that responded included the Community Fire Company, Thompson Fire Engine Company, East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, Quinebaug Fire Department, Muddy Brooke Fire Department, East Putnam Fire Department, Putnam Fire Department, Webster Fire Department, Dudley Fire Department, Bungay Fire Brigade, Attwaugan Fire Department, Putnam EMS, KB Ambulance – QV Medic, and the Killingly Rehab Team.

Quiet Corner Alerts maintains a policy of not revealing the names of victims or suspects unless they are actively being sought by law enforcement or pose a perceived threat to the public.

Gallery

“Every time the tones drop, it’s not a symbol responding — it’s someone’s neighbor, parent, or friend getting on that truck.”