Home at 4 Freedom Drive in Canton Destroyed by Fire Wednesday Evening

A single-family ranch at 4 Freedom Drive was destroyed by fire Wednesday night but a couple at the home was able to get out safely, fire officials said. 

Firefighters responded to the home at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday and arrived to an active fire. 

"The fire was well involved on arrival," said Richard Hutchings, chief of the town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department.  

Members of the Canton department and other area departments responded.

Hutchings said the Farmington Valley Tanker Task Force was activated to provide a second source of water. Canton firefighters set up a portable pond from which to draw water but in the end an area hydrant provided enough to fight the fire, Hutchings said. 

The fire was deemed "under control" at 5:58 p.m. 

The weather provided some challenges. Runoff water created some very slippery conditions in the area as it froze on the roadway. 

Initial emergency radio reports indicated propane tanks and possibly a vehicle were involved. Hutchings confirmed that there were two grill-sized propane tanks on the back porch and a van in the driveway was likely "secondarily" involved. 

He did not have a cause for the fire but late Wednesday evening said Canton Fire Marshal Adam Libros was on scene. 

"We're looking at everything," he said. 

A couple at the home was able to get out safely, Hutchings said. Senior and Social Services Director Claire Cote responded to the scene and helped coordinate arrangements with the American Red Cross. In a statement sent to the media, the Red Cross said it was helping "with emergency housing, food and clothing needs" as well as other items. The assistance is free of charge.

Connecticut Light and Power was also called to the scene. During the fire, some sparks were seen due to live wires to the house but Hutchings said other area homes did not lose power.

The home was built in 1956, according to the Canton assessor's office.