Photos show firefighters using ground ladders and an aerial ladder to rescue occupants during a three-alarm fire in Groton

By Justin Muszynski
Hartford Courant

GROTON, Conn. — One person is dead following a three-alarm fire over the weekend at a four-story apartment building in Groton, where a dozen people who were trapped in the building had to be rescued.

The fire broke out around 4:50 p.m. on Saturday at Groton Towers at 39 Broad Street Extension, where crews received reports of an active fire with multiple people trapped inside, according to the City of Groton Fire Department.

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The first crews to arrive found heavy flames and smoke and immediately began hitting the fire with water, fire officials said. Firefighters could see between 10 to 12 people trapped on the balconies of the building.

A second alarm was activated for additional resources to come to the scene before a third alarm was later called in, fire officials said. Crews received mutual aid from area fire departments, officials said.

According to fire officials, 12 people were rescued from the building using ground ladders, ladder trucks and crews who entered the building. Four people were taken to a hospital.

Fire officials issued a statement late Sunday saying one of the victims succumbed to their injuries. The victim’s identity was not immediately released.

“First and foremost, our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those impacted by this tragic incident,” the fire department wrote in a statement.

Officials said “numerous” occupants were displaced. A municipal building in town was used to shelter those residents with assistance from the American Red Cross, according to the City of Groton Police Department.

Police said their detectives are investigating the cause of the fire along with the City of Groton Fire Marshal and the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.

“This tragedy highlights the importance of adequate staffing on initial units, ensuring fire department personnel can effectively and efficiently perform the primary objectives of search and rescue, and victim removal,” the fire department said. “Every minute counts, and adequate staffing saves lives.”

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