Colebrook blaze squelched

COLEBROOK — A structure fire on the grounds of the Northwest Connecticut Sportsmen’s Association on Route 44 was quickly put out the night of Monday, May 19.

According to Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department and Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance Public Information Officer Jonathan Barbagallo, a structure fire in a meeting room on the property was reported to Connecticut State Police just before 11 p.m. The Norfolk and Winsted fire departments were quickly dispatched to the scene under a mutual aid agreement.

The Norfolk Fire Department gained access to the property and began working on the fire. Barbagallo said the building was approximately 20 feet by 20 feet and flames were shooting through the roof near a wood stovepipe upon arrival.

With a pond located nearby, tankers and engines at the scene provided enough water to extiguish the blaze.

“We put out the majority of the fire by the time everyone else showed up,� said Barbagallo, who noted that the Norfolk town line is about 100 yards from the scene of the fire.

In less than 25 minutes, firefighters from Colebrook, Norfolk and Winsted reported the fire under control, with Pleasant Valley, Riverton, Barkhamsted East, West Hartland and East Hartland fire departments providing station coverage to the primary towns.

Barbagallo said no injuries were reported and no members of the Sportsmen’s Association were on scene when the fire started. While the building is still standing and may be reparable, Barbagallo said there was considerable fire damage, primarily in the attic, and water damage in the main room.  

The fire is being investigated by Colebrook Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Bascetta and Fire Marshal Mark Melanson. Foul play was not immediately suspected.

All departments were released by 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.

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