Crime & Safety

Halogen Lamp May Have Lead to Fire that Burned Ellington Apartment

Fire officials believe the incident was accidental and that a 500-Watt bulb was a contributing factor to the fire.

A 500-Watt halogen work light that officials believe fell over and broke earlier in the day Monday may have contributed to a fire that burned through an Ellington apartment later that evening.

Deputy Fire Marshal James York said his office is still investigating the fire at a one-bedroom unit in the Meadowbrook Apartments complex, however they believe the fire to have been accidental.

The resident had hired a contractor to do insulation work in the attic and, during the work process earlier in the day Monday, a 500-Watt halogen lamp the contractor was using tipped over, York said. The resident later discovered the fire in the attic and called 911. 

Ellington crews got the fire under control within a half hour, however they remained on scene until around 11:30 p.m., said Chief Michael Varney. York said the fire left an estimated $25,000 in smoke and water damage to the building as well as to the contents of the apartment. 

There was also some damage to the structure of the building as well as some of the electrical service, he said. 


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