Ellington House Fire Ruled Accidental

A March 6 fire that nearly destroyed a ranch-style house on 68 Burbank Rd. was accidental.

Deputy Fire Marshal James York II said Wednesday that the fire started in a rear basement bedroom and was ignited by "improperly discarded smoking materials."

The fire displaced five adults, including two grown children, who lived in the house along with two dogs and six cats. Three of the adults were home at the time and got out of the house safely. Three of the cats perished, York said.

During his investigation, York discovered that the batteries in the smoke detectors either were not in place or were dead.

"If the smoke detectors had been working it's possible that the fire would have been discovered sooner and there could have been less damage," York said, reminding people that daylight savings time is a good time to change the batteries in smoke detectors.

Although from the road it does not appear that significant damage was done to the house, York said insurance adjusters estimate that there was at least $225,000 worth of damage done to the structure and its contents, yet the house is not a total loss.

The fire was so hot it damaged a support beam that runs the length of the basement, floor joists have been compromised and walls have been lost, York said. The basement, where the fire started, sustained the most damage, while the upper floor suffered heat and heavy smoke damage, York said.

The Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross provided some assistance for the family, who has been staying in a hotel since the blaze. There is a chance that the family will be able to put a mobile home on the property while the house is rebuilt, York said.

According to the town assessor's property information, Denise Digioia and Robert Timoteo own the house.

The fire drew volunteers from Crystal Lake, as well as mutual aid from the Ellington, Somers and West Stafford fire departments.

Three firefighters sustained injuries while battling the blaze; two minor and the third serious enough for the firefighter to be taken to Rockville General Hospital where the individual was treated and released, York said.