Main Street House Hit By Basement Fire

By Andrew Gorosko

An accidental fire in a house at 20 Main Street early Monday morning caused fire damage in the basement and smoke damage throughout the house.

More than 25 volunteer firefighters responded to the Farrell residence at 4:13 am to find fire damage in the basement, said Hook & Ladder Fire Chief Ray Corbo.

Judging by the extent and nature of the damage, the fire apparently was burning for a lengthy period before it was discovered, he said.

When he arrived at the scene, the couple that lives in house was on the front porch, Chief Corbo said.

Both Evelyn and Edmond Farrell were treated for smoke inhalation by the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

The sleeping couple was alerted of the fire when a smoke detector sounded, after which firefighters were alerted.

When they arrived, firefighters found that the fire had largely extinguished itself in the airtight basement where the flames had consumed the available oxygen. A considerable amount of smoke remained in the house, which firefighters then expelled with powerful fans.

“We did what we could to keep damage to a minimum,” said Chief Corbo. He estimated damage in the “tens of thousands” of dollars.

Although the house is currently nonhabitable, it can be repaired for reoccupancy, he said.

Had the fire extended farther in the house than it had, there could have extensive damage, considering the structure’s balloon-frame construction, he said.

Firefighters spent much time checking for fire within the house, he said.

Fire Marshal Bill Halstead said the house is insured for damage. A damage estimate was not available.

The fire appears to have been caused by an electrical problem, he said, though the investigation into the fire’s origin is continuing.

Firefighters for all five local volunteer fire companies were alerted of the blaze.