Fire drives six residents from New London house

New London — A multifamily home at 888 Bank St. was extensively damaged by fire early Thursday morning.

Fire Chief Ronald Samul said the fire was reported around 4 a.m. and when firefighters got to the scene, fire was coming out windows on the Lee Avenue side of the 2½-story home.

All occupants got out safely.

Firefighters first attacked the fire from inside the dwelling, but had to leave quickly as there was heavy fire on the first floor and it was spreading quickly, Samul said.

A second alarm was called to bring in all on-duty personnel, including an additional off-duty team. The Groton Submarine Base unit served as the FAST team, he said.

Fire damage was visible throughout. Every window was smashed and the roof was caving in. A "For Sale" sign in front of the house was unscathed.

A woman who said she owned the house said six people lived there. She said she was awakened by the sound of smoke detectors and screaming from tenants on the first floor. Land records identify the owner as Miranda Negrellia.

Samul said it took about an hour to get the fire under control. He said a dead tree in front of the home posed a challenge to firefighters because as it burned, its limbs kept falling to the ground.

The American Red Cross assisted residents.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

i.larraneta@theday.com