Snowblower Battery On Charger Sparked Garage Fire At Berlin Home, Officials Say

BERLIN, CT — A large-capacity snowblower battery connected to a charger sparked a garage fire at a Berlin home Saturday night, according to the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department.

All four Berlin fire companies were dispatched to Briar Patch Drive at about 8:15 p.m. Oct. 3 for a report of a residential garage fire.

Arriving fire officers encountered the residents outside and found an active fire involving items inside the garage, officials said.

Firefighters initially knocked down the flames with a portable water extinguisher before removing the burning contents and extinguishing remaining hot spots.

Two people were home when the fire started.

One resident experienced symptoms of smoke inhalation and was evaluated by emergency medical personnel but did not require transportation to a hospital, according to the department.

No firefighters were injured, and no pets were inside the home.

The house sustained minor structural damage, but the residents were not displaced.

The Berlin Fire Marshal's Office investigated the cause and determined that a large-capacity snowblower battery attached to a charger started the fire, according to the department.