The West Hartford Fire Department said one victim jumped from a second floor window, and three of four individuals who were evaluated for injury were taken to an area hospital following a fire in a multifamily residence.

By Ronni Newton

Just after midnight, the West Hartford Fire Department responded to a reported fire in a multifamily residence at 20 North Quaker Lane, and said multiple people were injured.

Although all occupants were able to evacuate, one person had jumped from the second floor.

That individual was treated by West Hartford emergency personnel and crews from American Medical Response at the scene, as were two other victims, and all three were transported to an area hospital for treatment of what Fire Chief Greg Priest said in an email were “presumably non-life-threatening injuries.” Another person, who was also evaluated at the scene, ultimately refused treatment and transport to the hospital.

The West Hartford Fire Department responded to a blaze at 20 North Quaker Lane. Courtesy of West Hartford Fire Department

According to Priest, the fire was first reported at 12:29 a.m., and en route to the scene multiple 911 calls were also received, reporting smoke and fire. A deputy fire chief was the first to arrive at the scene, in approximately three minutes, to discover the one victim who had jumped from the second floor, and also noted smoke visible from multiple areas of the residence.

Additional units arrived a minute later, Priest said, and while West Hartford Fire Department paramedics began providing medical treatment to the person who had jumped, and evaluating three others, other crews began immediately responding to the fire and concurrently searching the residence for additional occupants.

The fire itself was found to be in the basement of the house, which was built in 1912 according to town records. The fire was knocked down by 12:49 a.m., Priest said.

No additional occupants were found in the residence, where at least nine people reportedly live, Priest said. One resident was not home when the fire occurred, and those who had been inside all evacuated on their own.

According to Priest, “three other occupants of the building reported illness or injury from smoke inhalation, injury during their escape from the building, and related minor/non-life-threatening injuries.” A total of three victims were transported to area hospitals, while one refused further treatment after being evaluated at the scene.

One pet was removed from the residence by an occupant, Priest said, and was unharmed.

The West Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the fire to determine the origin and cause.

The Red Cross also responded to the scene to assist the residents.

The Building Department was called to evaluate the condition of the structure, and at 2:09 a.m. Priest said while a final determination had not yet been made, it was anticipated that the structure would be deemed uninhabitable on all floors due to smoke and water damage.

“West Hartford Fire would like to thank our dispatchers, the West Hartford Police Department, and our mutual aid partners who assisted by covering the town while our units were committed to the fire,” Priest said.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.