A man was killed when a trailer home caught fire in Vernon -- and a local police chief was injured Thursday morning responding to the fire.
Vernon Police Chief James Kenny saw smoke coming from the trailer park at 325 Kelly Road around 7:15 a.m. while he was driving to work.
Kenny went to investigate and learned from a neighbor that the resident of A-13 was still inside. He tried to rescue the man but was overcome by smoke and flames that completely engulfed the trailer.
Several police officers contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to other nearby trailers. Several residents were evacuated from their trailers because of outside propane and oil tanks.
Firefighters from the Vernon Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire within minutes but the man inside was dead. His name has not been released.
Kenny was taken to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Vernon police and the local and state fire marshals are investigating the cause of the fire, but it does not appear to be suspicious.
Fire officials are also investigating what caused a blaze at a home in Windsor.
The flames broke out around 6:30 a.m. at 25 Prospect St. One person and two dogs were able to escape unharmed. It took 30 minutes for firefighters to extinguish the fire.
As Connecticut sees the coldest temperatures we've seen in months, firefighters are warning people to avoid alternative ways to heat your home.
Things like space heaters, cooking appliances and wood stoves are the leading causes of fires, according to the West Hartford fire department.
They're concerned the economy will force many to use alternative heating methods.
"We're concerned especially this year and the state of the economy that as more people use alternative heating appliances we will be faced with more fires," said Assistant Chief Michael Sinsigalli, of the West Hartford Fire Department.
If you are using a space heater there are three simple things to remember to stay safe.
- First, don't use it when you're not in the room.
- Second, don't use it when you're sleeping.
- Finally, keep it at least 36 inches away from combustibles.
