By Jesse Leavenworth
Journal Inquirer
HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford firefighters worked to douse a fierce blaze that ripped through a vacant apartment building on Franklin Avenue late Saturday.
No one was hurt, the fire department reported. Crews responded to the 100 block of Franklin Avenue around 11:30 p.m. and arrived to find heavy fire through most of the three-story building, officials said.
| READ NEXT: Fire command: Going defensive
Due to the volume of fire and unsafe conditions, crews operated defensively, a news release said. A second alarm was transmitted shortly after to bring in more personnel and resources, especially given the frigid temperatures and the need to frequently rotate firefighters, the release said.
The blaze caused severe damage throughout the building, said District Fire Chief Mario Oquendo Jr, the fire department spokesperson.
The fire extended to an adjacent building, but crews prevented any major damage, the release said. Another nearby building sustained minor damage due to broken windows from a partial collapse of the destroyed apartment building, officials said.
The Hartford Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the blaze, the release said.
Musk and other critics attacked Mamdani’s selection of EMS veteran Lillian Bonsignore to lead the department, reigniting debate over what operational experience matters most for the commissioner role
Vote now: Should a commissioner be a firefighter, an EMS leader, an executive — or a mix?
A fast-moving fire tore through Portland’s historic Old Port, complicating firefighting efforts and damaging multiple buildings and boats
A multi-department merger forming the South Madison Fire Territory will take effect Jan. 1, adding full-time staffing, hiring dozens of firefighters and medics
© 2025 Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn..
Visit www.journalinquirer.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Reauthorization will ensure public safety’s voice in guiding the evolution of emergency communications
