Fifty people are displaced after a fire broke out at an apartment building in New London Saturday evening.
The call for help came in around 5:15 p.m. Firefighters responded to the Crocker House apartment building on Union Street.
The fire started on a second floor unit and spread upwards, according to New London Deputy Fire Chief Mark Waters.
“The initial arriving companies did a fantastic job with the amount of work that they had to get hose lines in place and get into the building as quickly as possible to remove as many victims as they possibly could,” Waters said.
The whole building was evacuated and four people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, according to authorities.
Joe Richardson, a tenant, said he saw smoke barreled out of his neighbor’s window when he came home.
“I figured there’s still tenants inside,” Richardson said. “I know my neighbor, so my heart sank for him.”
One firefighter was evaluated for heat exhaustion, according to officials.
“It’s a very hot day today. Heat is always a concern for us,” said Waters. “We want to make sure that our firefighters and personnel that are on scene are hydrated and okay.”
Derek Minor, another tenant, said he was blown away by the amount of firefighters who responded to the fire. New London’s three engine companies responded as well as companies from surrounding towns.
“I would never leave my oven on, but if I do, response is fast,” Minor said. “And that’s what we love about New London.”
Authorities said that the fire was under control in about an hour.
The Red Cross is helping the families who are displaced.