Fire Displaces 24 in Hartford Neighborhood

Hartford firefighters were called to 40-42 Bedford St. at about 3:09 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, after a fire broke out in a three-story brick multi-family home in the city's Clay Arsenal neighborhood, according to District Chief Mario Oquendo Jr. The fire spread to a second multi-family building at 36-38 Bedford St., and a third building was evacuated as crews worked the scene. Six families — 15 adults and four children — were displaced, firefighters said. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported, though one firefighter was evaluated at the scene for heat exhaustion and was not taken to a hospital. ### Where did the fire start, and how far did it spread? Hartford fire officials said the blaze started on the back porch of 40-42 Bedford St. and then spread to 36-38 Bedford St. A total of three buildings were evacuated, and two of them caught fire, according to firefighters. NBC Connecticut reported that the first building housed three families — 10 adults and one child — while the second housed three more families — five adults and three children. (nbcconnecticut.com) The fire was large enough that commanders struck a second alarm to bring in more manpower. ### Who was displaced, and what happened to residents trying to get out? Nineteen people, including four children, were forced from their homes, according to Hartford fire officials and local television reports. (nbcconnecticut.com) WTNH reported that residents described waking to heat, smoke and breaking windows as the fire moved through the building. Youlette Channer, a resident, told WTNH that the escape happened quickly. (nbcconnecticut.com) She said the fire "just rushed in" after alarms sounded and added, "If we weren't fast, we'd burn alive." Another resident told NBC Connecticut that firefighters safely removed his dog, Lily, from the building after he feared the animal was still inside. ### Were there injuries or rescues at the scene? (nbcconnecticut.com) Hartford firefighters said no civilians were injured in the fire. One firefighter was evaluated on scene for heat exhaustion but was not transported, NBC Connecticut reported. A resident told NBC Connecticut that firefighters brought his dog out safely. WTNH also reported that crews rescued a dog during the response. (wtnh.com) ### Which agencies are handling the aftermath? The Hartford Fire Department's Special Services Unit is assisting displaced residents along with the American Red Cross, according to NBC Connecticut. The city's fire department says the unit handles relocation help for victims of fires and other disasters. (nbcconnecticut.com) The City of Hartford says fire incident reports can be requested through the Fire Marshal's Office, which is also investigating the cause of the Bedford Street blaze. (nbcconnecticut.com) ### What is known about the investigation? The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Hartford Fire Marshal's Office, according to Hartford fire officials. No public finding on the origin beyond the reported back-porch start had been posted in the sources reviewed on Friday, May 22. (nbcconnecticut.com) Hartford residents seeking official records can request a fire incident report through the city's Fire Marshal process, while displaced families are being assisted by the department's Special Services Unit and the Red Cross as the investigation continues. (nbcconnecticut.com) (hartfordct.gov)