East Putnam
fire ruled
accidental
PUTNAM — A fire that leveled an East Putnam Home Dec. 20 has been ruled accidental by the Putnam Fire Marshal’s office.
The structure fire at 271 Elmwood Hill Road, East Putnam, was reported at 8:49 p.m. Dec. 20 in a 911 call to Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications.
Upon arrival of the East Putnam Fire Chief the single-family cape was fully involved with flames coming from every window and through the roof.
A rapid response by firefighters prevented damage to a nearby barn and farm equipment that was threatened by the intense heat and embers. The house was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire  marshal’s office said the fire had gone unnoticed for an uncharacteristic amount of time due to its secluded location. The 2,200-square foot residence and attached garage collapsed roughly 20 minutes after the fire departments’ arrival. The fire was reported under control at 10:36 P.M. with units remaining on scene for overhaul operations.
After an investigation, the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire to be accidental. Due to the extent of damage, fire investigators were on scene until 02:45 the next morning examining the fire scene. Investigators said the fire originated within the kitchen refrigerator and quickly spreading throughout the rest of the home. The building and all contents are estimated to be a total loss.  
There were no reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. If anyone has information concerning this fire or any other fire incident in Putnam, they are asked to call the Putnam Fire Marshal’s Office at (860) 963-6800 ext112.

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