STORRS, CT - UConn Fire's Engine 1, Tower 1, and Car 4 (Shift Commander) on the B Platoon were dispatched just before daybreak on Friday, January 20th, for a reported structure fire at the Whitney House on Storrs Rd. (CT Route 195), the major thoroughfare on the University of Connecticut main campus.  

Minutes later, first arriving personnel found a two-and-a-half story wood-frame building with smoke pushing and fire showing from the 'C' side. A second-alarm was struck as fire was reaching the second floor in the balloon frame constructed historic building, which dates back to the late 1700's.

An aggressive interior attack from UConn Engine 1 slowed the fire on the first and second floors. Vertical ventilation was provided by the crew from UConn Tower 1. Mutual aid from Mansfield, Coventry, Willimantic, Tolland, Windham, and Willington assisted at the scene to bring the fire under control and worked for several hours overhauling.  

The building, which has housed several campus organizations over the years, is one of the oldest on the Storrs campus. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the UConn Fire Marshal's Unit, UConn PD, and the CT State Fire Marshal's Office - FEIU.