NEW HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Around 30 fire departments in the Northwest Corner were activated before dawn Tuesday for a three-alarm fire in downtown New Hartford.
At around 2:30 a.m., numerous 911 calls alerted emergency personnel of a fire on the roof and in the top floor of a building know as the New Hartford House located at 4 Bridge Street along Route 44.
Three firefighters were injured during the fight against the blaze, Regional Public Information Officer Jon Barbagallo said.
According to Burlington Fire Chief Michael Boucher, a 26-year-old Burlington firefighter "experienced a medical emergency" at about 5:10 a.m. and was transported to John Dempsey Hospital in critical condition.
The other firefighters suffered less serious injuries, Barbagallo said. One had a hand injury and the other suffered a foot injury, he said.
Tenants of the mixed-use building made it out safely and without injury, Barbagallo said, including 20 adults and two children. However, the apartments in which they lived were completely destroyed.
"The second and third floor apartments did collapse to ground level," Barbagallo said.
New Hartford resident, Don Petruzzi, 52, is a friend to many of the tenants that live in the building. "It's devastating" to see the damage, he said, considering the building has been a part of the town since its construction in 1850.
"It's a staple of New Hartford. If there's a way to salvage it, that would be wonderful. I just can't imagine what this corner would look like bare," Petruzzi said.
Inspectors are checking the structure of what's left of the 170-year-old building, Barbagallo said.
"There is some hope that perhaps the façade that's still standing might be able to be rebuilt around, but that's not going to be known for a long time," he said.
Local red cross teams offered clothing, supplies and temporary housing to the displaced tenants, Barbagallo said.
There was no immediate word on what sparked the blaze.
Crews are expected to remain at the scene for much of the day Tuesday. They're urging motorists to avoid the area of Route 44 and Bridge Street.