At 10:59 pm, a first alarm call for a fully involved structure fire was received by the Oxford Fire Department.
First arriving firefighter, Captain A. Coy of the Quaker Farms Fire Company, reported a fully involved 2 1/2 story wood frame house under construction and called for mutual aid from Seymour's Great Hill Hose Company.
Seymour sent Tanker 19, a 3000 gal tanker and Engine 16 to aid in water supply.
Assistant Chief J. Morosko took command and requested additional mutual aid tankers from Southbury and Beacon Falls fire companies.
Command was then passed to Oxford Car 1, S. Pellettier. Assistiant Chiefs J. Morosko and R. Praiger took over water supply along with Seymour's Chief T. Eighmie. With no hydrants in this rural neighborhood available, a dry hydrant was put into service.
About 40 minutes into the call, the dry hydrant failed and water supply had to be moved to the next closest hydrant in the neighboring town of Seymour.
The fire was contained approximately 1 hour after the initial call.
The cause is under investigation by the state and local fire marshal's offices.
Station coverage was provided to Oxford by Stevenson Volunteer Fire Company of Monroe and Southbury Volunteer Fire Company of Southbury.
Oxford Fire Department proudly serves the community of 12,000 with men and equipment from 3 companies: Oxford Center, Quaker Farms and Riverside.
