NORWICH, CT - At 5:13 A.M. on Sunday, August 7th, the Norwich FD was dispatched to 51 14th Street for power lines and the side of a building on fire. Engine 2 arrived at 5:17 A.M. with a fire that had started on the exterior of the 'Delta' side that had already extended into the attic. The 'Delta' exposure, a three-story wood-frame occupied multiple dwelling, was also being threatened about five-feet away.

Engine 2 immediately placed a 100-foot one-and-three-quarter inch hose line in to operation between the two homes. Simultaneously, Engine 2’s driver and lieutenant stretched a 200-foot one-and-three-quarter inch hose line to the third floor while also trying to find out if everyone was out of the building.

Truck 1 positioned on the 'Alpha/Delta' corner and split their crew. Two members performed the primary search and opened up while the driver set up for vertical ventilation. Squad A established the water supply and then stretched the alley line to the attic. Engine 3 assisted with opening up and getting both lines into operation.

Taftville Tower 25 positioned on the 'Bravo/Charlie' corner and threw ladders and cut the roof. East Great Plain Ladder 5 positioned on the 'Alpha/Delta' corner and performed the primary search of the second floor. Rescue 5 filled cylinders and provided support on scene. Battalion 1 had command and requested the evacuation tone at 5:52 A.M.

Engines 21 and 41 established a water supply for Tower 25. Yantic Engine 33 and Preston Engine 11 operated two lines between the fire building and exposure. Three ladder pipes and multiple handlines were used to knock down the large volume of fire before crews were allowed to re-enter for overhaul.

The Mohegan Tribal and New London Fire Departments provided the FASTs. Crews removed two cats and a bird from the residence. American Ambulance provided standby and the Norwich Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. The American Red Cross is helping eight families that were displaced.