Officials Continue to Investigate Freedom Drive Fire

Thursday morning, officials returned to the 4 Freedom Drive home destroyed by fire the previous night. 

Fire marshal Adam B. Libros continued his investigation and at 4:30 p.m. said he did not yet have a cause to release.

"It's under investigation," he said. 

Thursday morning building Official Bill Rich condemned the building. 

Also at the house Thursday morning were Sue and Mark Crawford, who had lived in the home for more than 15 years. They were emotional and not able to talk about the fire but Sue Crawford said they did want to thank the town's emergency services and everyone else who helped out.

"Everybody in Canton's been great," she said. 

Thursday afternoon, Claire Cote, Director of the town's Senior and Social Services Department said she was seeking a furnished apartment or small house in the Canton/Collinsville area with 1-2 bedrooms — preferably 2 — for less than $1,000 and available on a month-to-month basis. Cote said included utilities would also be great so the couple would not have to open additional accounts for a temporary residence. Anyone who knows of something available can contact Cote at ccote@townofcantonct.org or call at 860.693.5811 x165. 

"They are not looking for anything else in terms of donations but are very gracious of everyone who has offered assistance," Cote said. "Anyone who does call our office is being put on a list, in case this changes."

The fire was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday night and was fully involved when members of the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department arrived on scene, officials said. 

The department also offered a Farmington Valley Tanker Task force and set up a temporary pond as a second water source. An area hydrant proved adequate and the fire was brought under control in less than an hour. At the scene, firefighters used several hoses to fight the fire, including one from its ladder truck to help douse it from above. 

Fire Chief Richard Hutchings estimated that about 40 department members were on scene, including firefighters, EMTs and others. Police and town officials were also at the scene and the Red Cross, with the town's help, was able to provide a place for the couple to stay.