Connecticut Firefighters Battle Fifty Foot Flames

Feb. 24, 2006
The three-alarm fire struck in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CONN. -- A three-alarm fire heavily damaged a large factory building Thursday evening, sending flames nearly 50 feet into the air, firefighters and witnesses said.

No one was inside Associated Packaging's factory at 197 Chatham St. when the fire was reported at about 5 p.m., fire officials said. The factory, located in the city's Fair Haven neighborhood, makes tissue papers and packaging.

Firefighters were able to knock down most of the flames in an hour. Some planned to spend the night at the former Cott Soda factory to watch for hot spots, officials said.

Arson investigators were on the scene Thursday night trying to determine the cause.

One firefighter suffered a shoulder injury, but no one else was hurt. Nearly 65 firefighters responded to the factory.

"The companies were aggressive with their attack to prevent the fire from spreading to homes over on the Lombard Street side of this fire," said New Haven Fire Chief Michael Grant.

Firefighters sprayed some water on nearby homes, causing minor damage, Grant said.

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