The task force assignment was dispatched this afternoon for a reported dwelling fire in the Sturbridge II Development off of Cooper Road. The fire was reported to be at #2 Simsbury Drive but was amended to #5 Simsbury after the arrival of the first unit on scene.

Companies reported a large area Wood frame SFD heavily involved top to bottom and front to back. Companies established a water supply and went in service with master streams from Ladder 22 (West Berlin) and Ladder 1344 (Cherry Hill) as well as multiple hand lines.

Due to the advanced stage of the fire upon arrival, all companies were defensive and most of the back half of the dwelling collapsed into the burning structure and eventually a partial collapse into the lower level walkout basement area.

Rehab 13 was notified at 1431 hrs and responded to the scene with all apparatus and 8 personnel. Rehab 13 set up at #10 Simsbury and deployed coolers, buckets, and towels to the A side of the fire building. A rest and recovery area was set up at Rehab 13, and more liquids were deployed to the C side of the building as well as to the personnel across the street at the EMS staging area. Rehab served liquids and provided light snack foods as well as the rest room facilities on 1385.

District 66 Command held us on scene until after the local demolition company arrived to aid in the origin and  cause investigation and to make the scene safe due to the unstable walls of the fire building.

Rehab 13 was released at 1924 hrs and returned to restore the apparatus.

The fire remains under investigation.

Photos by w. Beringer, L. Colacicco, J. Cundiff of Rehab 13