At 5:12 pm on Christmas night, the Norwich Fire Department with Yantic Engine 33 and East Great Plain Ladder 5 were dispatched to 8 Mountain Avenue for smoke in the house. Battalion 1 and Engine 3 arrived at 5:15 with nothing showing from a 2 story wood frame residence. 

While investigating, crews forced entry through a walkout basement door finding a moderate smoke condition. Engine 3 and Truck 1 held the fire with their cans until a line was stretched by Engine 2. Squad A hand jacked 5 inch to the bottom of the hill to the hydrant. Crews performed overhaul and ventilation which contained the fire to the basement. 

The Mohegan Tribal FAST responded and Laurel Hill’s Engine 62 provided coverage at headquarters. The Norwich Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.