A two-alarm fire damaged a New London home and a neighboring building during the early morning hours on Tuesday.
A New London Fire Department ambulance returning from an emergency call reportedly observed smoke in the area of Broad Street around 1:54 a.m., according to New London Fire Chief Vernon Skau. After canvassing the area, crews located a single-family home on Vauxhall Street that was on fire.
Skau said fire companies encountered heavy fire conditions at the single-story, wood-frame ranch-style residence.
“Due to the intensity of the fire, crews initially operated in a defensive mode, knocking down the bulk of the flames from the exterior before transitioning to interior operations,” Skau said.
According to Skau a neighboring building sustained “thermal damage.”
Multiple units provided mutual aid at the scene, including the Waterford Fire Department, Submarine Base Fire Department, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department and Electric Boat Fire Department, Skau said.
The East Lyme Fire Department and the Groton City Fire Department provided station coverage, and EMS assistance was provided by Lawrence + Memorial paramedics and Groton EMS, according to Skau.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the New London Fire Marshal’s Office.
“The alertness of the ambulance crew in investigating the smoke led to the discovery of the fire, and the rapid response by firefighters prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings,” Skau said.
