Newington, CT - Newington firefighters along with EMS and police personnel responded to a reported structure fire at 2193 Berlin Turnpike just before 10:00AM on Monday March 10, 2003.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions on the southbound side of the heavily traveled four lane route. Command was established and mutual aid was then put into motion from three surrounding towns.
Windy conditions blanketed both lanes of travel with thick smoke making conditions unsafe and causing complete closure of the road. Wethersfield, Berlin, and Kensington responded swiftly with multiple pieces of apparatus to help combat the fire. Because of the construction of the building and nature of the fire, crews performed an exterior attack from both the ground and atop two aerial pieces. The cinderblock and steel trussed building was home of Don's Automotive Specialties, an auto repair and performance shop.
Fire was not the only concern for the crews, as sub freezing temperatures provided slippery surfaces from the water runoff. The fire was brought under control in two hours. No injuries had been reported as the business had not yet opened to the public. Initial assessments could determine that the building was a loss. The cause has yet to be determined.
