Fire Breaks Out in Collinsville Garage Saturday Morning

The Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department responded to the scene of a garage fire in Collinsville early Saturday morning. 

A "fully involved" fire off North and Center streets was reported to dispatch by a caller at 3:24 a.m. and confirmed by police, Fire Capt. Wayne Goeben said. 

Crews worked to evacuate nearby residents and evaluate the scene, Goeben said.

With the knowledge that the structure was not occupied, the department worked to protect surrounding buildings, he added.  

A crew from Engine 4, tapped into a hydrant at Johnson and Center followed by Engine 6, whose crew used the hydrant on The Green.

Those hydrants actually tap into two separate water supplies, Goeben said.

"The great thing about Collinsville is there's plenty of water down here," he said. 

The fire presented several hazards to firefighters. In addition to not knowing all the contents of the garage, there were propane tanks at a nearby auto business. A live wire also came down near the garage, which also "energized" a metal railing, Goeben said. CL&P was called to cut power. 

It was also icy and Goeben said a Public Works crew spread salt in the area immediately. 

"An awesome DPW response made us a lot safer," he said. 

One firefighter fell but did not require transport, Goeben said. 

Others who worked at the scene included fire police, who blocked off the area, an ambulance crew, one from Ladder 2 and others. 

Burlington firefighters covered Collinsville station and crews from New Hartford worked in Collinsville on "fire watch," essentially making sure other fires weren't sparked by floating embers. 

Connecticut Light and Power cut the power to the building. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was also notified due to the proximity of the Farmington River. 

Canton Fire Marshal Adam Libros said the blaze remains under investigation.