Hartford

Suspect Arrested on Arson Charges After Hartford Fire That Sent 10 to the Hospital

Hartford police have arrested a suspect on arson charges after a fire at a Hartford apartment building that sent 10 people to the hospital Thursday morning.

Firefighters responded to the building at 820 Wethersfield Avenue just after 7:15 a.m. and found heavy smoke throughout the building.

Several people had to be rescued from apartments, according to fire officials.

Ten people suffered smoke inhalation and three of those people also suffered burns, fire officials said.  All of them were taken to the hospital to be evaluated.

The fire appeared to have started in an apartment on the second floor.

Police have arrested 38-year-old Eladia Vazquez, of Manchester, in connection with the fire. Vazquez is charged with first-degree arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and risk of injury.

Police on Friday said Vazquez was involved in some type of dispute with a resident on the second floor of the apartment complex and that Vazquez set the fire outside of that resident's apartment.

In all, 47 residents, including 10 children, were displaced by the fire.  The Red Cross and the Hartford Fire Department's Special Services Unit are assisting those families.

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