Downes Road Fire 10/29/2023

On October 19th a multi-alarm fire was reported at a single-family dwelling on Downes Road. The fire originated in an attached 2-car garage and extended into the living area of the home. This incident was complicated because of its location approximately 1 mile at the end of a dead-end road with no fire hydrants available. A regional tanker task force was activated and assisted the Hamden Fire Department with a 4-engine, relay pumping operation supplied by 3 portable water tanks set up at the intersection of Gaylord Mountain Road and Downes Road. Tanker trucks from Bethany Fire Department and other mutual aid departments resupplied their tankers from a hydrant over 2 miles away at West Woods School. There was extensive damage to the structure of origin with a total collapse of the roof area and also the loss of a private vehicle that was parked outside the garage area. Luckily, there were no injuries and the three displaced adults were assisted by Hamden Community Services and the American Red Cross. Hamden CERT assisted with logistical support and rehabilitation services to all of the firefighters, (providing a meal) including all of the many mutual-aid departments who responded to this extremely difficult, multi-operational-period incident. Thank you to our mutual aid partners from Bethany, North Haven, New Haven, Wallingford, Cheshire, Prospect, Oxford, and Beacon Falls along with station coverage from neighboring towns and support from the Hamden Police Department. Thank you to AMR, who covered all of our medical calls along with scene stand-by at this extensive multi-agency incident. Hamden CERT Personnel cleared the scene at 07:00 hours. This fire is under investigation by the Office of the Hamden Fire Marshal.