West Hartford firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a blaze adjacent to a boiler in a single-family home, and provided a warning to residents as heating season approaches.

By Ronni Newton

Firefighters responded to a report of a smoke alarm being activated and an odor of something burning in the early hours of Sunday morning, and were able to quickly extinguish and contain a blaze that was next to the boiler in the basement of a single-family home on Penn Drive in West Hartford, officials said.

Deputy Chief Russell Duffy said the incident was reported at approximately 12:49 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12.

The crew from Ladder 4, led by Lt. Craig Astle, was the first to arrive on the scene – just minutes after the call was received – and according to Duffy was met by the occupants of the single-family residence who had all safely self-evacuated.

The residents reported that there was smoke in the home, and firefighters discovered that it was coming from the basement and found a blaze located adjacent to the boiler. They were able to quickly extinguish the fire before any further spread.

The residence was able to be fully ventilated and based on the results of air quality monitoring was deemed safe for the residents to return, Duffy said.

Crews ensured that there were no further hazards, and the West Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the origin and cause of the blaze. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.

According to Duffy, Squad 1 and Medic 21 assisted at the scene with primary search operations and ventilation, and West Hartford Police provided traffic control in the area.

Duffy reminded residents of fire safety guidelines around furnaces and other heating systems as as the weather gets colder and heating season begins. “Please maintain a minimum three-foot clearance around all heating equipment, and ensure that working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home,” he said.