2-Alarm Multi-family, 10/4/23

The Hamden CERT call-out team had a busy 15-day period with two multi-alarm fires within this short period of time. A 2-alarm fire in a multi-family apartment building at 98 Kaye Vue Drive on October 4th did considerable damage to two apartments on the second floor and extensive smoke and water damage to all the other apartments.

There were no injuries reported at this incident. Hamden CERT provided logistical support along with rehabilitation services, assisting with displaced residents and assisting the HFD shop personnel with the resupply of the many air bottles used by the firefighters.

Firefighters and neighbors were able to alert and evacuate numerous families from the building. Engine 2 began an aggressive interior attack of the second-floor unit while Rescue 2 began a primary search for occupants. They encountered heavy fire and smoke in the apartment of origin that extended through the roof. The fire was escalated to a 2nd alarm. North Haven, Wallingford, and Cheshire Fire Departments provided assistance at the scene while the New Haven and Bethany Fire Departments, along with American Medical Response, offered station and town coverage.

The apartment building contained 9 units. Only two of the units suffered considerable amounts of fire, smoke, and water damage. Another 4 units had light to moderate smoke and water damage.

No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported. A total of 22 occupants were displaced.

Numerous agencies assisted the Hamden Fire Department and residents at the scene including Hamden CERT, (providing firefighter rehabilitation and resident relocation assistance), Hamden Police, Hamden Community Services, and the American Red Cross. Hamden CERT Personnel cleared the scene at 02:30 hours.

The fire is under investigation by the Hamden Fire Marshal’s Office.