Just after 6:00 p.m. on April 12, the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company helped the Ledyard Fire Company with an auto aid response for a car fire off Michael Lane that extended into the adjacent brush.

As personnel attempted to control the fire, Engine 21 responded and assisted with suppression operations. Brush 22 and Service 26 were among the other units that responded to a different smoke report in the vicinity of Whalehead Road shortly after they arrived.

Wind and dry conditions raised the likelihood that the fire would spread over the region. The Connecticut DEEP fire weather classification was rated as "High," according to officials, which emphasizes the need for caution when dealing with any outside igniting sources.