Halloween Blaze Displaces 7 In Hartford: HFD

HARTFORD, CT — Seven people, including a child, are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross after a fire damaged a multifamily home on Ashley Street in Hartford on Halloween.

The Hartford Fire Department responded to 196-198 Ashley St. shortly after 4:02 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, for a reported fire at an occupied, 2½-story, wood-frame residence.

Arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the rear of the building and confirmed a working fire, according to the department.

The fire originated in the rear porch area and spread to the second floor, rear wall, and roofline, officials said.

Firefighters deployed two hose lines and quickly brought the flames under control, according to the HFD.

Crews conducted primary and secondary searches of the building, both of which were negative.

Firefighters also completed overhaul operations to ensure the flames were extinguished and had not spread to other areas of the structure.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported.

The Hartford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

The city's Licensing and Inspection Department also responded to determine whether the building was safe for occupancy.

Red Cross Assisting Three Families

The American Red Cross Connecticut chapter said it is assisting three families consisting of six adults and one child following the fire.

The organization provided affected residents with recovery information, including guidance on cleaning up after a fire, notifying important contacts, and handling damaged belongings.

The Red Cross also distributed comfort kits containing personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies, and other necessities for people displaced by a fire.

According to the organization, affected residents will meet with Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to develop longer-term recovery plans.

The Hartford Fire Department's Special Services Division coordinated with the Red Cross to arrange assistance for residents affected by the incident.

Fire officials credited the quick response and coordinated efforts of firefighters with bringing the blaze under control.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not announced a damage estimate.

For more information, including images from the scene, click on this link.