The City of Norwich Fire Department was called to a reported structure fire at 6 and 6A Griffin Street at 9:14 p.m. on May 10.

When firefighters arrived in less than a minute, they discovered a two-and-a-half-story duplex with significant smoke and fire coming from both sides. According to officials, while executing an aggressive interior and exterior attack, searches for inhabitants, ventilation, utility control, and water supply operations, firefighters faced high heat, smoke, and fire conditions. In about an hour, the fire was contained.

The building was severely damaged by fire, smoke, and heat, especially to the back porch and parts of both apartments. No transportation or firefighter injuries were recorded, although EMS assessed two individuals on the spot.

Along with a number of local organizations, the Sherburne Fire Department, Oxford Fire Department, North Norwich Fire Department, and Plymouth Fire Department offered mutual aid assistance.

Investigators discovered that the fire was unintentional and that it was started by abandoned campfire ashes that were put in a rubbish bag on the back porch. Additionally, households were advised by officials to keep their smoke alarms operational.