BERLIN, Kon. — A firefighter was killed Tuesday in an accident involving a commercial vehicle during a fire in Berlin, Connecticut.
Berlin Fire Chief John Massirio said the Wetherfield firefighter was driving a utility vehicle on a trail when it overturned near the Meriden town line. The firefighter died from their injuries.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. The firefighter’s name has not yet been released.
“Our worst nightmare, especially when it comes to a forest fire. It just goes to show that this work is dangerous no matter where you are, whether it’s inside a structure or out in the forest,” Massirio said.
In a post on social media, Governor Ned Lamont said: “My heart breaks to hear the news that a Wethersfield firefighter was killed in the line of duty responding to the Berlin fire. Firefighters are doing everything they can to protect our communities. My prayers are with his family and colleagues at this devastating time.”
Two other firefighters were injured. They were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released, Massirio said.
“The friendships here are deep and there are long-lasting relationships between these people, so we are a close-knit family,” he said. “It’s definitely felt in the surrounding towns. … We’re a family and it affects everyone here.”
A procession of first responders was planned Tuesday evening to transport the firefighter from the mountain to the chief medical examiner’s office.
Brush Fire Burns for More Than 24 Hours on Lamentation Mountain
The fire started Monday on Lamentation Mountain, about 15 miles south of Hartford. It has scorched between 80 and 90 hectares, and is expected to take several days to extinguish due to the difficult terrain.
Investigators are looking into a nearby campfire as a possible cause of the fire.
No evacuations have been ordered.
