Mystic, CT – A roaring fire tore through a detached warehouse at Mystic Shipyard late night of Monday, Feb. 24, gutting the structure and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
According to the Town of Groton Police Department, authorities are investigating the cause as fire crews worked through the night to contain the flames.
At 11:32 p.m. on Monday, a 911 call reached the Groton Emergency Dispatch Center from a concerned citizen reporting a fire at 100 Essex Street.
Officials confirmed that responding police officers and firefighters found the roof engulfed in flames upon arrival. Crews moved quickly to secure the perimeter while firefighters launched suppression efforts.
“The roof was engulfed in flames,” authorities confirmed at the scene.
The fire demanded immediate reinforcement.
The Mystic Fire Department, alongside Old Mystic, Poquonnock Bridge, Noank, Ledyard, North Stonington, City of Groton, Quiambaug, and Submarine Base Fire Departments, battled the flames.
Emergency medical teams from Groton Ambulance, Mystic River Ambulance, and Lawrence & Memorial Paramedics stood by as a Providence, R.I., Fire Department Canteen truck provided on-scene support.
Authorities reported no injuries, but the warehouse suffered major structural and smoke damage.
Large-scale response
Emergency responders found themselves facing an aggressive fire that had already consumed a large portion of the structure.
Given the risk of collapse, firefighters took a defensive approach to limit further destruction.
“Firefighters assisted in safely establishing a perimeter around the building while firefighters extinguished the fire,” officials stated.
Crews fought the blaze from multiple positions, ensuring that flames did not extend to nearby buildings. The fire’s rapid spread prompted additional units to be called in.
“In addition to the Mystic Fire Department, members of the Old Mystic Fire Department, Submarine Base Fire Department, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, Ledyard Fire Department, Noank Fire Department, City of Groton Fire Department, North Stonington Fire Department, and Quiambaug Fire Department responded and assisted with extinguishing the fire,” officials confirmed.
By early morning of Tuesday, Feb. 25, the fire was fully extinguished, though smoldering debris remained.
Investigation
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into what sparked the fire.
“This case remains under investigation by the Town of Groton Police Fire Investigators, and the Mystic Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office,” officials announced.
Fire investigators and building inspectors assessed the wreckage and concluded that the warehouse was uninhabitable due to its compromised structural integrity.
“The detached warehouse and office building experienced major structural and smoke damage from the fire and were deemed uninhabitable by fire and building officials,” authorities reported.
Investigators are urging the public to assist in gathering information.
“Citizens with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Town of Groton Police Department at (860) 441-6712,” officials stated.
While the fire is contained, its cause remains a matter of scrutiny.
