A housing complex in West Hartford for elderly and disabled residents was evacuated when a fire broke out in the walls and ceiling of one of the units on Friday.
Fire crews responded to the Fellowship Housing complex at 10 Starkel Road just after noon on the report of a burning odor in one of the apartments, according to Fire Chief Greg Priest of the West Hartford Fire Department.
Firefighters could smell smoke in the complex, Priest said. They initiated a localized evacuation of the complex after smoke became visible.
Crews were able to find a fire hidden in the walls and ceiling of one of the apartments using thermal imaging equipment, according to Priest. All on-duty fire companies responded to the complex when a working fire was declared.
Crews from the UConn Fire Department provided mutual aid because of the size of the building and number of occupants, Priest said.
As firefighters began working to put out the flames, Priest said a “more global” evacuation of the building was conducted and the electricity was cut. Crews were able to rapidly contain the fire after 18 residents from 16 apartments were evacuated, according to Priest. These included several residents who were dependent on oxygen who were taken to the nearby West Hartford Senior Center.
“They were evaluated and monitored, however no injuries or transports to the hospital were required,” Priest said in a statement.
The town’s Office of Emergency Management assisted senior center staff with the residents who were temporarily displaced, Priest said.
Firefighters had the fire under control by 12:31 p.m., according to Priest. The fire damage was contained to the apartment where it started, Priest said, adding that there was also some smoke and water damage.
Officials believed only one unit would be left uninhabitable, according to Priest, who said the assessment of the other units was still ongoing in the afternoon hours. Some residents voluntarily sought housing elsewhere for the evening, according to Priest.
No injuries were reported.
According to Priest, fire departments in Hartford, Newington and New Britain provided station coverage while crews were at the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the West Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office.