30 Cats Perish, Person Airlifted To Hospital After Fire Decimates CT Home

DANIELSON, CT — Thirty cats died in a second-alarm fire, and an injured resident was airlifted to a hospital, according to fire officials. A firefighter was also injured.

The fire was reported at 6:44 a.m. Monday at 32 Hawkins St. in Danielson.

A medic and ambulance crew arrived at the scene of the blaze three minutes later, reporting heavy fire showing from the front of the building, with multiple other structures threatened.

The crew confirmed that everyone made it out of the house. The Day of New London reported that six people were inside the multi-family home at the time.

However, one person suffered sustained burns and possible smoke inhalation. That person was airlifted to Bridgeport Hospital for further evaluation and treatment, fire officials said.

Firefighters called for a second alarm due to the heavy fire and the threat to surrounding buildings. The fire spread to two cars and damaged two other buildings, according to The Day.

Crews searched the rear of the home, finding and rescuing a cat from the structure. A medic and firefighters revived the cat before a Good Samaritan took the animal to a veterinary hospital for further care.

However, about 30 cats died in the blaze despite firefighters' efforts.

A firefighter was injured after being struck by falling debris while battling the fire. The firefighter was evaluated, treated and taken by ambulance to a hospital.

No other injuries were reported.

"The Danielson Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to all of our mutual aid partners for their rapid response, professionalism, and teamwork," fire officials wrote on Facebook. "Since early May, the department has been focused on rebuilding and strengthening relationships with neighboring agencies through collaboration, joint training, and a shared commitment to providing the highest level of service to our communities. Today's incident serves as a powerful example of those efforts and demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies train together and respond as one unified team."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Killingly Fire Marshal's Office and the Connecticut Office of the State Fire Marshal.

View a photo of the fire by clicking here.