HWSFD Responds to Overnight Structure Fire on Litchfield Road

At 1:59 a.m. on May 20, 2026, the Harwinton West Side Fire Department, Harwinton Volunteer Fire Department, and Harwinton Ambulance were dispatched to 157 Litchfield Road for a report of smoke coming from the building.

HWSFD Car 5 arrived on scene approximately four minutes after dispatch and reported a working fire. Based on the conditions found on arrival, a second alarm was requested, bringing additional mutual aid resources to the scene. The second alarm added the Torrington Fire Department, Terryville Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department, Northwest Paramedic, and a second ambulance from Harwinton Ambulance.

HWSFD Engine 12 arrived on scene at 2:11 a.m. Engine 12’s crew made entry through the front door with a charged hose line and began knocking down visible fire. Engine 12 reported “water on the fire” in under two minutes of arriving on scene. Fortunately, a fire hydrant is located near the intersection of Whetstone Road and Litchfield Road, allowing Engine 12 to secure a water supply.

As additional crews arrived, firefighters worked together to continue fire attack, ventilation, overhaul, and salvage operations. These tasks are critical not only to extinguish the fire, but also to check for hidden fire extension, remove smoke from the building, and help limit further damage where possible.

HWSFD Utility 6 also responded to the scene to support fireground operations by filling used air bottles, bringing bottled water, and providing rehab equipment for firefighters operating at the incident.

HWSFD would like to thank all of our mutual aid partners who responded and assisted at this fire. Incidents like this require teamwork, coordination, and support from multiple agencies. We appreciate the response from Harwinton Volunteer Fire Department, Harwinton Ambulance, Torrington Fire Department, Terryville Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department, Northwest Paramedic, and all personnel who assisted on scene or helped maintain coverage during the incident.

HWSFD units operated on scene for just over two hours before returning to the firehouse. Once back at the station, members worked to clean equipment, refill and restore apparatus, and begin the decontamination process for gear used during the fire.

Cleaning and decontaminating gear after a fire is an important part of firefighter safety. Smoke, soot, and fire debris can contain harmful contaminants that remain on turnout gear, tools, hose, and equipment after the incident is over. Taking the time to clean and decon after a fire helps reduce exposure risks for firefighters and ensures our equipment is ready for the next emergency.

HWSFD responded to this incident with 10 certified firefighters and 2 support firefighters. All HWSFD volunteers cleared the firehouse just after 5:30 a.m.

We are grateful for the teamwork shown by all responding agencies and for the continued support of the residents and visitors of Harwinton.