Manchester, CT - (March 17, 2004) Firefighters from Manchester Fire Rescue EMS L1579 battle a fire in a one story heavy timber mill building located at 260 Tolland Turnpike. The complex was once used for recycling paper products. First arriving firefighters were confronted with heavy fire showing from a 40 x 100 single story mill building with attached exposures.
The complex has been the scene of numerous fires over the years and most recently by "squatters" using the building for shelter. It is approximately 1/6 of a mile from Engine 5's station. First due Engine 5 transmitted a working fire in the building. Defensive operations were ordered due to numerous hazards known to be in the building. Firefighters used 2 1/2 and 1 3/4 handlines with a master stream from Quint 1 to knock down the fire. Interior operations were initiated with primary searches being negative.
Earlier this week, two smaller fires were set in the building by "squatters" who used the fire in a 55 gallon drum for light and heat. Fire and building officials deemed the structure uninhabitable. Officials are in the process of having the owner clean out the building of all furniture and combustibles that could contribute to the spread of fire within the building.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries. Units were on the scene for a few hours.
