Two Fires in Two Days in New London

New London Fire Department responded to two fires in as many days, starting with a garage fire on Friday morning and then an attic fire in an apartment building on Saturday morning. 
 
The first, and more serious of the two fires, happened sometime between 5 and 6 a.m. on Friday, September 6, in a building at 103 Elm Street that housed two businesses—Cathedral Stained Glass Shop and DHZ Contracting. 

New London Fire Marshal Calvin Darrow told the New London Day the building was "a complete loss." Bert Brouillier, who owns Cathedral Stained Glass, and DHZ Contracting's owner, Tim Amerson, told the Day they lost everything in the building to smoke, fire, and water damage. Both businesses have insurance, however, and said they plan to resume their operations as soon as possible. 

It took New London firefighters about half an hour to douse fire, which at one point had 25 foot high flames leaping from the building's roof. Their efforts were hampered by the fact that three out of the four fire hydrants closest to the fire's location weren't operating. Darrow told the New London Day the hydrants' valves were in the off position.

The city was notified of the specific problem, which was fixed by Friday afternoon, but an investigation into the working order of all New London's fire hydrants has since been launched. 

Meanwhile, the Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire. Signs reading "Stop Arsonists" are now posted on the building offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire. The number to call is 1-800-84-ARSON. 

Apartment Building Catches Fire On State Pier Road 

At about 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, New London Fire Department responded to a fire that started in the attic of a two-story apartment building at 93 State Pier Road in New London.

New London Fire Department Battalion Chief Edward Sargent said that fire was mostly contained to the attic. New London Fire Department, assisted by the Sub base fire department, brought the fire under control within about 10 minutes, he said.

Although the building contains 11 apartments, residents of only one of the units were displaced due to damage. Sargent said the Red Cross was on the scene and was able to offer the residents of that particular apartment temporary housing. The cause of that fire is also under investigation. 

"It's been unusually busy for the past month," Sargent said.